rickyleepotts.com | a voice of rhythm, reason, & reality

I have not written too many blogs on my phone, but as I sit at 40,000 feet, I can’t help but write something down. And as I make my way toward Dallas, Texas all I can think about is my grandfather.

My mom’s dad is sick. He is very sick, as a matter of fact, and has gone from a diagnosis leaving him with 1-3 years to lying in hospice care clock watching until his last breath.

He first went into the hospital with pneumonia. He would later make his way home with stage four cancer. It’s spine cancer and has taken quite a toll on the 87-year-old man. I actually received a call just this weekend with word from the doctors he had only a few hours left. My mother and her two sisters are actually staying with him until he passes.

Now, he’s 87 years old. He has lived a great life having served in World War II and having spent half his life or more playing golf and being the best grandfather I could ever imagine. I saw him a lot more before I moved away to school, but try to call him a couple times a month and visit him if I can. Christmas is usually the only time I see him. I will never forget walking in every Christmas morning to see him sitting in his chair with a goofy Santa hat on.

Christmas is a fun time of year. We would always get up early, do gifts at home, and then head over to his house. We would all eat, open gifts one at a time, and have a grand lunch prepared by my two aunts. (We try to keep my mom out of the kitchen at all costs!) One of these aunts usually brings a few bottles of wine too. It’s truly a “picture perfect” Christmas morning.

This year I’m not sure what we will do. My grandpa is slipping fast and while I am some 40,000 feet above ground I could very well have a voicemail from one of my family members telling me that he has passed. I’ll find out when I get to Dallas, I suppose.

There are many ways people handle situations like this. I’d rather be a realist about it. Death happens. To all of us. You, me, and everyone you have ever known and will know will suffer through this process. Some might be sudden, others might take a long time to set in. But we all die. That is just a fact of life. And I have accepted that. It still scares me, and I think about death a lot. I probably think about death every day. But I would rather be realistic about it than pretend it’s not going to happen.

When my grandmother passed away some over a decade ago, I was too young to really understand what had happened. I didn’t go to the funeral, but rather I sat outside in the lobby. I am not even sure I have been to the gravesite. Not for a long time anyway. And I do not plan on attending my grandfather’s funeral either. It’s not that I don’t want to or that I can’t handle being there, it’s that I don’t look at death and mourning the same way everyone else does. Again, I know it happens and there is nothing I can do about it. So I choose to deal with my feelings and emotions in my own way. And that’s okay. No one can judge me for how I handle situations like this. Let me handle them the way that is best for me.

I did go visit my grandfather not too long ago. I walked in having no idea what to expect. Because of his cancer and because of all the drugs he is on, he was extremely delusional. While I was there he was trying to take pills that didn’t exist, he was arguing with my mother about taking classes to get his pilot’s license, and talked about the islands of Hawaii a few times. It was weird seeing him so out of whack like that. From what my stepfather has said, he gets worse every day and is slipping faster than the doctor’s had imagined.

I’m glad that I went to see him. I told him all about my future plans, we talked about golf, and he seemed to understand what I said. I left knowing I would never see him alive again. And I accepted that too. I don’t want to see him like this. It was better for me to not see him like this than to have my last memory be jaded by the disease and the drugs.

I honestly believe that he is aware of what is happening. I remember years ago him talking about not wanting to live anymore. When his wife passed away he was alone. He had Steven, his rotten and demonized cat, but that was it. A huge house with nothing to fill it. It wasn’t that he wanted to die, but he had lived a great life. I hear that the older you get the more you accept that fate.

No one wants to die. That’s not what I’m saying. But he is old, has terrible eyesight, uses a walker to get around, and usually needs help getting from his bed to the bathroom. I think he is ready. Ready to say goodbye to this cruel world and see what’s on the other side.

Memories Last Forever

I remember a lot about my grandfather. I remember playing golf with him at Rae Park Golf Course in Terre Haute, Indiana. I remember boarding a plane with him on our way to Paris, France. (That was actually my first time over seas.) I remember waking on the beaches of Normandy where he was stationed during the Second World War. I remember his goofy Santa hats he wore every Christmas and spending the night on the weekends while growing up. Nothing beat a Friday night at my grandparent’s house. There are too many things to list, and I will have those memories for as long as I live.

One great memory I have is playing Atari (the original one at that) in my grandmother’s Avon room. She sold Avon and the basement was her workspace. There was a big screen TV down there and I remember sitting there for hours just playing Pong or some other random low resolution video game. One time I was playing, my grandpa came down and just watched me for hours. I never knew what he was doing, but now I assume it was just to spend time with his grandson. Another memory that will never go away.

The last time I saw my grandmother was at a YMCA basketball game. I scored a ton of points that game, and her and my grandpa came to watch on their way to the airport. My grandma would later board a flight to Detroit, Michigan, and come back just in time for her funeral. She died of a brain aneurysm while visiting her sister in Detroit.

My cousin Christine and I have shared many of these memories over the last few weeks since he has been sick. She loves in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I rarely see her. However, she flew in to visit him as well and we try to talk every day now. Normally we just text each other. She is my favorite cousin! (She is my only cousin!)

Saying Goodbye

I don’t know what’s on the other side; no one does. But he will soon find out. So while I remember all the fun times we have had, I know he’s not in any pain right now. You can thank the morphine for that. When he finally does pass I can trust that he lived a great life, was loved by many, and will always be remembered by his family and friends. So while I might not be going to the funeral, I can use this as a way of saying goodbye one last time. Robert Marshall was a great man, and may he rest in peace.

(I wrote this blog post while on my way from Indianapolis to Dallas, Texas. I was at 40,000 feet above the ground with no cell phone service when I wrote this. When I landed I had a voicemail from my mother. My grandfather had passed away while I was in flight. Talk about a bittersweet way to say goodbye. RIP Grandpa.)

Not too long ago I sat down with Bryan Hodge for an exclusive artist interview. He later led me to Frank Dean. Bryan seems to know everyone in the music business so I figured I would give Frank a call and see what would come of it. So a few days later, I gave Frank a ring and we chatted for about fifteen minutes. That led to a second conversation the next day that led to an interview with him and his band. Frank has been all over the place and has shaken a lot of hands in his time. Names like Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart come to mind when I think of all the people that Frank mentioned. There are picture to prove it if you don’t believe me. We sat down for about an hour and chatted about everything from playing the guitar to his favorite cities and more. Frank and I could have chatted for hours; the stories never end. I am glad that Bryan introduced us. Frank has not only talent but also drive and a passion for music. Sit down with me and Frank as I am happy to introduce you to the Snakehandlers Blues Band.

I hope you don’t go around playing with snakes! Where did you guys come up with the name The Snakehandlers?

Actually I came up with it. I am originally from West Virginia and West Virginia is the only state left in America where it’s legal to use snakes for religious services. I remember as a little kid watching those people and how insane that was. You have these prim and proper womens and they pull out copper heads and throw them down their dresses. I remember thinking how nuts that was. Any chance that I get to take a shot at wacko religion; I am there.

Tell me a little bit more about Sindacato.

Wow. We were together for sixteen years. People still complain that we are not together any more. Occasionally someone rich will open a checkbook we get together to play a private party. That’s the good life. That’s twice as along as the Beatles. Give us a break. We have to do another things. I have been in only about four bands in my life. It’s not like we drifted from one thing to another. We felt like we covered a lot of ground. We were at the head of the Americana thing in this region. We got two albums of the year awards from the Indianapolis Star. We were the only band for those things to give album of the year to two years in a row. We really dig the albums we made, but at this point if we don’t have something new to say and a new way to do it, let’s just leave it at what we did. That’s exactly what happened.

Know that we didn’t leave on bad terms. A lot of stuff changes in sixteen changes. Sindeacato started out as four single guys. Now most of those guys have kids, some even have grand kids. The guy who was willing to go to Portland to play gigs all of a sudden can’t. Lucky for me I am still the world’s oldest nineteen year old. I can go anywhere and do anything. I’m ready. But I can’t expect other people to never want to grow up.

That band has won some pretty prestigious awards like Band of the Year. You also have some close ties with The Indianapolis Star and NUVO Magazine.

We were and are so humbled by it. We thought we were doing something interesting for us, to tell you the truth. It was four guys with a lot of different influences. Our first record came out before Brother Where Art Thou came out. We were placed well when that whole trend hit we were already doing it. In fact, we actually got to play a few dates with that tour, the Brother Where Art Thou tour. It was cool playing with Emmylou Harris and Rosanne Cash. Regardless of what people tell you, it’s pretty neat to be popular. For about five years there, any act that came through the Midwest we were the opening act. That was really great. I got to make a lot of friends that have stayed with me forever. It’s cool to be recognized.

I am bit of a music snob. It’s not that I don’t enjoy fans. I really do. You can play live if you don’t enjoy people having a good time. What always meant the most to me were the critics that got what we were doing. To get those awards, from guys that have been doing that for decades, for them to dig that stuff, and Jim Johnson who is pretty hardcore too, at the Indy Star, to have those guys really dig it was just too much for me.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Most of my influences are people who don’t do anything like what I do. I don’t do anything like them I guess I should say. It’s that their music has meant so much to me that it helped me do my own thing. Of course Hank Williams Sr., Bob Dylan, I am a big Rolling Stones fan. I think Muddy Waters invented rock and roll. There are a million of them. Van Morrison; I am a huge Morrison fan. Lucinda Williams, Marty Stuart, Mark Knopfler; those are all people that I have a great deal of respect for.

It’s so cool to walk into the studio, like we are as a blues band, and know that everyone there has kind of the same influences. Guys like Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters; we are all really into those guys. It’s like going in to the studio with one mind. You might disagree with which degree is better.

You own a guitar shop down in Franklin. I know nothing about guitars. What makes one guitar better than another?

I think they talk to you. (Laughs) Everyone is different and the one that talks to me won’t talk to you. For a guitar player, there is a moment you pick up a guitar and say, “This is the one.” Unfortunately that happens way too often. People in my house are always tripping over guitars.

You are originally from West Virginia. What brought you here to the Hoosier state?

My dad. He worked in the cole mines and on his forth day on the job there was a cave in. That was enough for him. He said piss on this and left. One his brothers lived here.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever performed in front of?

There are several big crowds. As far as a sit down concert it was probably the Brother Where Art Thou tour. I would say 30,000 or more came out for that one. Some of the summer festivals we did there were literally a sea of people in all directions. God knows how many people were at those shows.

That’s never really been a thing for me. I am more comfortable playing to a million people than five. It just becomes a sea of people. If 30,000 are digging it why should I be nervous?

The smallest?

I tell you what, the craziest thing that ever happened to me, just because everyone needs a big dose of reality sometimes. In Sindecato, one time, there was one gig where we were doing a bunch of shows with a national artist. The crowds were huge. The last gig was on a Thursday night. Friday night we were booked into the Dollar Inn over on the west side. There were three Hispanic guys who couldn’t speak English there. We went from knocking them dead and getting standing ovations to three guys who had no idea what we were singing about. One of them was pissed because we didn’t know any Michael Jackson.

I had the chance to sit down with Alan Johnson last night. We talked about you a little bit. He said he has worked with you in the past and would love to work with you again in the future. You should give him a call. How do you know Alan?

I was in a band in the early 90’s called Hillbilly Central. They used to book us as the Rolling Stones of country music. We were absolutely wild, crazy; nuts. It was a really great band and Alan actually engineered us.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Laughs) My alcoholic days are behind me. I drink iced tea. Whe it comes to alcohol, it’s kind of like a big black out to me, but I’m told that I was a lot of fun. For a while. (Laughs)

You have played in a few bands in your time. Does any one band mean more to you than the next?

The four that were really good were Blue Deville, which was kind of a blues swing band. The lead singer of that actually went on to get a recording deal with Alligator Records. Hillbilly Central, then Sindecato, and now the Snakehandlers.

They were all so different; it was a completely different thing. To me, playing means something. If I think enough of it to go out and perform, then I love it. I have never played a song on stage in the thirty plus years that I didn’t like. I just wouldn’t do it. Whether cover songs or my own, if I am going to do things I don’t like I should get a job that pays real money.

Who are some of the better acts here in the Indianapolis area? Anyone I need to pay attention to?

Bryan Hodge is one of my favorite songwriters. A guy named Ralph Jeffers is another one of my favorite singer/songwriters. There is a band that plays on the south side called the Thunder Club and they, as far as execution goes, no one can touch.

Bill Lankton, who does the jazz thing, is an amazing talent and a wonderful guy. I know I am just forgetting a ton of people. Who else do I go see when I am in town? John Burns is a wonderful guitar player. There are just so many. There is an amazing amount of talnted people out there.

John Marten and Gary Watson, both from Sindecato, they are doing solo stuff. The guys in Stereo Deluxe are great. I really dig it. The Gordon Bottoms Blues Band is really good. Gene Deer, who I have known since our early twenties, is an amazing player. Governor Davis; I always wish I had a record labrel of just people in Indianapolis. I love producing anyway, and that would be great to go to work every morning and start working on a record.

What can someone expect when seeing The Snakehandlers live for the first time?

I think they are going to have to love rock and roll. That’s different from rock. Other words, this is the real deal bump and grind, shake your ass, money music. Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones; we do dirt floor R&B. It is drinking, smoking, women chasing decadence. (Laughs) Alcohol and adultery you can dance to.

What makes it “Chicago” blues?

One, it’s going to be electric. Two, Chicago blues is delta blues, just amplifyied. You follow the twelve bar blues thing, and you don’t get into a bunch of sophistacted chrod changes. It’s working class music. Its where the Stones came from, Thorogood, Thunerbirds, Stevei Ray Vaugh, BB King type of thing. It’s real deal, emotional music.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

I go back a long way. I saw the Beatles at the Colesium in 1964. That was pretty cool. I saw Jimi Hendricks and I got to high five him as he was walking through the corridor. I met Stevie Ray Vaughn and hung out with him for a while. He was a real gentleman. I have been really fortunate. I have been able to meet, through music, and tour with some of my idols. Merle Haggard and Albert Lee, and Patty Loveless; it just goes on and on and on. I couldn’t have felt any luckier if I had been president. I would rather be me than the president.

You do a lot of your own booking and artist management. What is the biggest challenge you see when doing it all on your own?

We used to and have for years, because I was waiting.  Like small groups of people around who I know I can trust and who I know I can count on. It’s hard to find in this business. Everyone has an ulterior motive. In the last couple of months, just this year, I have hjooked up with Karen Hodge. She works with Deb Strother and they have both taken a big weight off our shoulers. It used to be me handling it all because I didn’t trust anyone else to do it. It took me three decades to find someone I trust that much.

Where do you see the record business in the next five to ten years?

The old school major labels are going to go down. Greed will bring ti down. It already has and goes back to the small labels. The Internet allows people to do that. You don’t have to just accept whatever they play on the radio. Ten, fifteen years ago that wasn’t the case. If it wasn’t on the radio you didn’t hear it.

I want a Frank Dean t-shirt. Where can I get one of those?

My mom loves Marty Start. How do you know him?

Marty is one of the most talented human beings I have ever met in my life. He was Lester Flatt’s mandolin player at twelve years old. He has played with Doc Watson and Johnny Cash, and as a solo artist its always music first. He is one of the most critically acclaimed singer/songwriters in recent memory. And one of the sweetest guys in the world. His new album is getting rave reviews.

So wait a minute. You actually bring snakes to your shows? I used to have a pet snake but I am not as fond of them now. What if I get scared?

It might change what I think about the song. Have you ever driven ninety miles an hour?

Who is the greatest guitar player of all time in your opinion?

There are a lot of different genres. What moves me is Roy Buchanan. As far as guitar with songwriting Keith Richards, just because that guy has written some of the greatest. Jimmie Vaughn, Stevie’s older brother knocks me out.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Room service. (Laughs) Receiving it.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

The guy that Kate Beckinsale never got over. I even dream about it.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Look at music as an art form. The karaoke, the DJ thing, it might be a fun thing to go drinking to and to party with your friends and everything. That’s not art and that’s not what moves souls. Don’t be drawn in. Take the time to do the research and to know the difference. And of course, come see the Snakehandlers. Tight skirts and high heels are encouraged. (Laughs) I don’t say anything you can’t print. I wake up this way.

Coming off a wildly successful four-week summer Perfecto residency at Las Vegas’ Rain Nightclub in Palms Hotel and sold-out Electric Zoo festival gig, Germany’s ATB is already gearing up for another tour across the U.S. and Canada. His current single, Could You Believe, from his recently released mix compilation Sunset Beach DJ Session, has risen to #7 on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play Songs, proving that we just can’t get enough of André Tanneberger’s unique brand of electronic sounds and melodious club tracks.

The numbers don’t lie: 15,000 people came out to enjoy ATB’s dates at Rain, where he took over Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Vegas residency for four exclusive nights last month.  “I was really surprised when I got the offer for the summer residency at Perfecto Night,” ATB says. “It doesn’t happen too often that you get the chance to headline such a worldwide famous event series in a great city like Las Vegas. This was really an honor.”

Earlier this month, ATB also graced the main stage at Electric Zoo, New York’s electronic music festival, where he played on the main stage to a sold-out 25,000-person crowd. Attendees unanimously agree that ATB created one of the most memorable moments of the festival when he unexpectedly dropped Rage Against the Machine’s Killing In The Name Of – and sang along to it!

And that’s classic ATB: spinning the unexpected and challenging the listener while delivering an expert mix of contemporary tunes and timeless classics. It establishes him as one of the leading DJs on a global scale, booked throughout the year at headline club nights and festivals all over the world. In fact, it’s the concept behind his next studio album, due out in early 2011. “It’s searching for ideas, searching for creativity,” ATB told Las Vegas Weekly. “By being on the road I always get some inspiration from everywhere I am.” Next stop: Phoenix!

ATB Sunset Beach DJ Session is out now on Napith Music.

Fall 2010 North American Tour Dates

September 24 Phoenix, AZ @ Axis Radius

September 25 San Bernadino, CA @ Nocturnal Wonderland

September 29 Sacramento, CA @ Barcode

October 1 San Francisco, CA @ Ruby Skye

October 2 Seattle, WA @ Showbox Theater

October 7 Vancouver, Canada @ Celebrities

October 8 Calgary, Canada @ Flames Central

October 9 Edmonton, Canada @ Northlands Expo / Hall D

October 11 Winnipeg, Canada @ Republic

October 14 Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue

October 15 Minneapolis, MN @ Epic

October 16 Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater

About ATB

André Tanneberger, better known as ATB is widely known for his first single 9PM (Till I Come) as well as his eight studio albums, five “in the mix” compilations and four DVDs. He is currently one of the most famous international artists of electronic music well known all around the globe. Voted on rank #11 at the last DJ MAG Top 100 poll, holding rank #4 of thedjlist.com for more than two years now, he is one of those DJs who always is as close to his fans as possible, to present them with his music live and directly. This all lead to Andre becoming one of the most important producers and musicians for electronic music of the last decade. Together with Bryan Adams he stood on stage at Rock in Rio; he remixed pop legends like A-ha and has traveled the span of the globe to reach his fans for the last 12 years.

Starbucks is now offering a rewards program. So if you like to spend a lot of money on coffee that tastes just as good as the stuff you can get for a buck at any given gas station, then make sure you sign up today for your very own Starbucks rewards card. (I will give them some credit for making their Wi-Fi free for everyone. It will allow me another option when I am looking to work outside of the house.)

Registering For Your Card

Registering for your card is easy. You can register online by visiting starbucks.com/rewards.

Using Your Rewards Card

After you have registered your card, now it’s time to load it up with money. Think of this rewards card as a gift card of sorts that you just continue to fill up every time you want to buy something else. God forbid they would let you use your credit card the same way.

Now you are on your way to the Gold Level. You will receive one free drink for every fifteen stars that you get once you have reached the Gold Level. You will earn one star for every time you use your rewards card to pay for your overpriced coffee!

The Starbucks Rewards Card Levels

The first level is the Welcome Level. You reach this level by simply registering for your card. If you simply register for your card and do nothing with it, you at least get a free drink on your birthday.

The second level is the Green Level and you reach this by getting five stars. Remember that you get a star for every purchase you make with your rewards card. Here you will continue to receive the free birthday drink but will also get quite a few more options when you order your coffee. That list includes:

• Free birthday drink
• Free flavored syrups*
• Free soymilk
• Free tall beverage with every pound of coffee purchased
• Free refills on iced or brewed coffee and tea**
• Free trial offers

The final level that you will reach is the Gold Level and here you will receive even more benefits. Not only will you receive a free drink for every fifteen stars but you will also get a list of other great benefits as well. That list includes:

• Free birthday drink
• Free flavored syrups*
• Free soymilk
• Free tall beverage with every pound of coffee purchased
• Free refills on iced or brewed coffee and tea**
• Free trial offers
• Personalized Gold Card and Welcome Packet
• Tailored offers and coupons

Note that not all Starbucks are participating in this promotion, so make sure you ask before assuming they will take your rewards card. Granted, I have not been to a Starbucks that is not using this program, so it’s a good bet your local shop will take the card.

So drop whatever you are doing and head to the closest Starbucks and start saving today! I take full advantage of the free iced coffee refills and now that the Wi-Fi is free, I will be drinking a lot more coffee than I used to. I just wish they were open twenty-four hours a day. I would get a lot more work done if they were! So sign up for your card today and soon you will be hearing, “This one’s on the house.”

*Add select syrups to any beverage on our menu, free (subject to availability and excluding all seasonal/promotional beverage syrups).
**Refills during the same visit.

A good friend of mine from work introduced me to these guys. We were sitting around the office just chatting about new bands and he was listening to these guys on his laptop. I asked him who they were, and immediately fell in love with their sound. Imagine taking spotless lead vocals, adding industry instrumentals, and tossing in some of the best lyrics you have heard. That is what you get when you put these guys in your ears. They hail from Marion, Indiana and half the group is under the age of twenty-one. There are actually six of them, but when you listen to them you wouldn’t know it. They just sound great together. After one listen to Your Heart Sounds Like Mine you will be taken back to your childhood when nothing else mattered. Imagine wandering the hallways of your empty high school looking for something. For meaning in life maybe. Or for your one true love. Regardless of what you were looking for, this song is playing in your head. It sticks with you and is tough to shake. I am not sure I want to shake it; the music is that good. Sit back and relax because I am extremely excited to introduce you to The Colourful.

Where did you guys come up with the name?

For one, the original bass player for us was from Spain… therefore, the European spelling. The Colourful was, and still is, filled with men from every social circle and genre of music. We’ve even had four ethnicities represented. Some of us like pop, some progressive rock, some metal, some punk. Some have broken families, some were previous drug dealers gone straight, and some don’t even know the difference between cocaine and pot. Our diverse lives and experiences bring a much wider picture of musicianship to the page, and each member is required to write his own parts with artistic liberties.  While the basic structure of our sound stays the same, the big picture changes with each new member. This is why we call ourselves The Colourful.

How long have you all been performing together?

Prozac and I (Brian Fannin) have been writing and playing together for about five years. After some of our original band mates’ lives took a different turn, we both moved to Indiana, found new players, and have never regretted the decision once.

Who writes all of the lyrics?

I write the majority of the lyrics for the band. I use other band member’s input and on the new record, we have a guest lyricist on parts of The First Song named Corey Cisney. He is a good friend of ours and a fantastic writer. Also, our old band-mate, Dan Novak, wrote Holding On to Grace.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

I think I agree with Jon Foreman on this one… it’s all been done before. We can only restate things and write music in our own words and tunes. We are inspired by the days we live in, the people we live with, and the music we listen to.

You guys are all over these social media sites. I see you on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace. How do you find time to be involved on all of those social sites?

Fortunately, many of these sites make it easy to post to multiple ones simultaneously… it also helps that music is a full-time hobby for me.

Do you pay more attention to any one social site than another?

Facebook seems to hit people the hardest. MySpace isn’t used as much by individuals as much as it is by bands now (and middle-schoolers).  Many people are on Facebook throughout the day. That way, we can post things directly on their wall feed often. Facebook also helps people to see us as individual musicians rather than just a marketed band. It’s a chance to be more intimate.

Where can I get some of your merchandise? I would love a shirt or something!

Most of our stuff can only be obtained at our shows. The exceptions would be digital copies of our music on iTunes, AmazonMp3, Napster, and Zune. A hard-copy of our album coming out in September of 2010 will tentatively be available for purchase on the Internet.

Where do you guys practice?

We practice mostly in our house/studio. Usually in the living room. But I think some of the best experience we gain is from playing live shows. We can interact with people who generate emotion and energy in a way we could never accomplish in the practice room or studio. The more we play live, the closer we get to replicating that energy at home.

Brian, you do all the booking for the band. How do you keep all that straight with everything going on in your life?

To be honest, sometimes I don’t. I’ve definitely messed up dates, numbers, and financial things in the past. But, it helps to have an foldered and sub-foldered email account and a list of our shows to keep me reminded of things.

Basically everyone that I work with is from Marion. What is like living up there?

We actually live in a city called Upland that is very close to Marion. It’s an incredibly small town. In fact, Upland doesn’t even have a stop light. Just a yellow, blinking light. But Taylor University happens to be here. It’s a little piece of heaven and social opportunities in the middle of cornfields… it’s just fantastic. A peaceful, small town in midst with big city venues at our fingertips.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Oh, my. Having traveled much of the world, you would think this question would get easier, but it doesn’t. Even though I love the adventure in the Amazon jungles and the peaceful beaches of the Philippines, I could never leave my American comforts for an extended amount of time. A first-world country is at my heart, and it’s people need passion just as much as anywhere else. America will do it for me… or a comfortable part of Europe or Australia.

Where did Zach get his nickname?

Prozac and I have played together for years, and our first band together had two Zachs. Therefore, he became Prozac to ease the confusion. You’ll also understand his name a little better if you ever have a chance to meet him or hear his guitar licks live.

You have gone from South Dakota to Indiana. What prompted that move?

I went to college for a bit out here in Indiana. I had made some contacts out here, so Prozac and I decided that we needed a change. Our part of South Dakota is a fantastic place to live, but lacks the big city atmosphere that provides aspiring musicians with the necessary tools to do what they dream of.

So I can’t put my finger on it. Who do you sound like? Who do people say you sound like? (I hear a hint of Bear Reinhart I think.)

I am beyond honored that you mentioned Bear Rinehart. I would hope I would sound at least a little like him since I’ve followed there music since just before their first album and have gone to five concerts this year alone. If I ever had true heroes, it would be Needtobreathe. I would be a happy man to ever acquire half the vocal talent that Bear possesses.

Other vocal influences of mine would be Jason Wade from Lifehouse, Adam Levine from Maroon 5, and Pat Monahan of Train. These musicians have taught what is to sing and write confidently and honestly. Also, I don’t care what anyone says… the Hanson brothers are fantastic musicians that continue to prove it with every new album. Taylor Hanson has been a definite influence on my higher-range vocal techniques.

What are you guys doing when you are not performing music?

Writing music. Truly. Music tends to consume us, often in an insalubrious fashion.

Also, we love to spend time with friends just shooting the breeze, or watching films. Some of the boys are into biking and boating. I like tinkering with graphic design.  Most of the boys are involved in some kind of Christian ministry in our respective cities and campuses. We all have a heart to make this world a better place.

Any word on the full-length disc anytime this year or next? You said September but will it be ready by then?

Yes! Hearts and Citadels comes out at the end of September! We have worked for over ten months on this album. It’s solely recorded and performed in our home studio. Prozac has most of a music production degree from McNally Smith College of Music and the album sounds professional. He is incredibly talented at mixing and mastering.

You guys have some solid graphic design. Who does all your design work? You said you play around in design a little bit.

I did most of our recent designs including the new album, poster, and website design. My brother, Brent Fannin,  is also a graphic designer with much more experience than I. Sometimes I will pitch an idea to him and he always makes it look just like I imagined.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The answer to this question is a big part of why we’re called The Colourful.

Prozac is a progressive rock type of guy enjoying bands like Soundgarden, Steve Vai, Petrucci, Satriana, and many older musicians. I’m a big pop/rock fan. Or anything melodic, really. The prettier the better. Josh Jones (guitar) listens to John Mayer and a lot of music that I listen to with a twist of indie-rock to his tastes. Graham Smith (bass guitar, keys) enjoys a lot of guitar driven music, and is classically trained. Zach Levickas (drums) is a little bit of a punk-rocker (when we let him). Sangbin Lee (violin) has a keen ear for deeply talented and inventive musicians and listens to a lot of such.

But we all listen and thoroughly enjoy almost every genre of music. Yes. That includes country.

What’s the best show you have ever been to?

Usually that would be a tough one, but Needtobreathe’s headlining tour took the cake this  year. I’ve seen hundreds of bands and they’re still at the top.

Taylor Swift is runner-up. Of course, a big part of that may be her budget. Honorable mention? Check out a band called Sanctus Real. If their open hearts and honesty isn’t enough to cover up for their lack of on-stage energy, then the fact that their sound quality sounds like they’re playing a record will.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

As a band, we had the opportunity to play for a camp this summer. Can you picture two hundred+, A.D.D. ridden middle-schoolers all running in circles simultaneously? We can.

The smallest?

House shows. I set-up a show at a place entitled The White House just off campus near Taylor University last year. I was reluctant to start playing when only eight of our closest friends showed up. But that show and others like it have become a much needed rest for our souls. It’s a chance to share our passion with the people who’s opinions matter to us the most. And their love and encouragement has never let us down.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you guys on stage?

I often stick my foot in my mouth. It’s a trademark of mine, but usually not offensive. It was different one show this year. I stated that the kids needed to stick around because the band after us would “rock your faces off”. Then I remembered that they were a folk band and restated with “they’re going to folk your face off”. This was not an intentional double-entendre but sure sounded like it. Did I mention that this was a church venue? It was.  The next band wasn’t a folk band either.

There are very few people that can pull off a t-shirt and a vest. Nicely done sir. How important is your appearance on stage when you perform?

It’s second only to our music. Our budget doesn’t allow for us to dress like the marketing major in me would allow, but we try our best. A HUGE part of  a band going places is there marketability and I do my best to cater to that at every show and online. Of course, it’s hard to have fitting uniforms when, not only do we have so many different body sizes and ethnicities, but our music doesn’t really fit into any definite genre.

How cool is it having a single on iTunes?

We love it. Shhhh… don’t tell anyone that it’s not that hard to do. It’s our little secret. Also, our new album comes out on iTunes this month, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

Brian, I hear you know a buddy of mine. How did you and Jacob Elsts meet?

Is this going in the interview? That would be oddly fantastic. I met Rusty (Jacob) at the radio station that I volunteered for on our campus at Taylor University. He is great at his job and was a blast to work for and with as was the entire crew at WTUR.

I have heard you guys described as passionate. Where does this passion come from?

Tough question. I think the perfect answer would have to come from each member. But, we have one thing in common, and that’s our faith and compassion for others. Fortunately, we don’t live in a world with just Christ-followers. Our music is relevant to those going through the same days that we have to deal with and the same situations that make us who we are and we want to be. I hope that our music is never confined to a people group or stereotype. We all share this world.

Explain what someone can expect seeing you guys perform live.

Honesty. And actual belief behind what we state on stage in the hopes that it will change or persuade someone’s life into a better place.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your career, which song would you pick?

If it was a cover song I would say Devil is Talking by Needtobreathe. If it was one of ours, it would have to be We Will Never End.

Speaking of cover songs, do you play any?

Very rarely. I think the first time we ever did covers was when were transitioning members and needed more songs in the set that they knew. We just threw A Boy Named Sue in there and a Rolling Stones song. The Rolling Stones song has stuck… Johnny Cash has not. We’re planning on working on a Needtobreathe cover for our shows this fall, but with so many great records it’s hard to choose the perfect song.

That face sort of creeps me out. Actually, I love it just the same. Whose face is that?

(Laughs) I love that design. Fantastic story as well: My brother and I made it for our single last year. The face is that of an art/photography major on Taylor University’s campus. I had been bugging her about getting us into the studio to take pictures and she kept saying “yes” but putting it off. Finally, I sent her a Facebook message involving the words “we just want one good picture” or something of the sort. She proceeded to tag me in a picture of herself in defiant sarcasm. So, I rolled with it.

You guys don’t live too far from Chicago. Do you play a lot of shows in the Windy City?

Actually, we haven’t played there once. It’s a tragedy that we plan to remedy this year. We’ve just recently obtained players that we’re all happy with and haven’t had a chance to make contacts out there. We’re planning on our first show to be this year in late October with some new friends.

Describe your genre in one word.

Salubrious.

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

I want LASIK. That way I’ll be able to see myself even better.

We want what all young musicians want. But what we really need is just a creative outlet that actually pays the bills. Selling a million records would be just fine, but running water and electricity are enough to keep us content doing what we love.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

To have something people can relate to. To connect with a situation or a lyric. Then to change or enlighten a mind, or give permission to take charge in one’s life.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

“They say we have our whole lives to get it right, to get it down. Why not test the waters, babe, right now. This ship won’t drown if it’s made of sails and wood as strong as your hand in mine.”  – The Colourful

Made Event presents the return of Dutch dance music pioneer Ferry Corsten to Pacha NYC for an official stop on the Once Upon A Night club tour on Friday, October 1st, 2010.

Trance superstar Ferry Corsten is the kind of international DJ that legends are made of. Voted into the Top 10 of DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for the past five years, he has established himself as a trailblazer of trance and continues the tradition, selling out venues worldwide with musical productions and DJ sets that combined trance, house, and electro. The facts speak for themselves: since his immersion on the scene in the late 1990s, Ferry has amassed best-selling albums, nearly a dozen gold singles, and countless awards like Best Producer of the Year (Ericsson Music Awards) and Best Trance DJ (Ibiza DJ Awards). Tracks like Carte Blanche, Cry and Punk, and remixes for Markus Schulz, Moby, U2 and more have been played by the most elite DJs in the hottest clubs around the world.

But as fans already know, Corsten has never been one to rest on his accolades. In October, Ferry is set to release Once Upon A Night, Vol. 2. the much anticipated two-disc, twenty-six-track follow up to his highly acclaimed Once Upon A Night mix compilation. To support the release, Ferry will be visiting over 20 cities on his North American Tour, including New York’s legendary club Pacha NYC, where he’ll be sure to take the sophisticated fusion trance and house as well as banging elements of Once Upon A Night to the extremes.

In addition, AM Only is proud to partner with Ferry, Made Event, and Pacha NYC to bring you an exclusive meet and greet contest from the first of six tour stops Ferry has hand-picked himself. One lucky fan and their guest will not only win a pair of tickets but also a Meet & Greet with Ferry Corsten prior to the Pacha NYC show as well as a copy of the album and a Ferry Corsten t-shirt. This contest is open to anyone who would like to join. Winners for the New York City show at Pacha NYC on October 1st will be selected at random and be notified via email on September 28, 2010. Enter the contest now for your chance to win!

Also note that Once Upon A Night, Vol.2 will be released October 22nd in the USA.

While walking through Times Square a few weeks ago, I saw a billboard for a movie called The Town. I had no idea what it was about, who was in it, or if it was even out yet. I have not been to a movie in a long time and I had not even seen this film’s preview. I was going in blind.

The movie poster for this film was just flat out creepy. Anytime you see a man dressed up like a nun holding an assault rifle you are about to be a little scared.

The film was directed by Ben Affleck, who also starred in the movie. There were a few other big names in this film including Jon Hamm from The Day The Earth Stood Still, and Jeremy Reener from The Hurt Locker.

This film takes place in a town (hence the name) called Charlestown just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. This town is actually notorious for producing more bank robbers than anywhere else in the country. This also happens to be the premise of this film. I was impressed, though, that once the movie came to an end, there was a statement from the producers clarifying that even though this town has produced a ton of bank robbers, they still have respect for the hard working folks of this town, and actually dedicated the film to those souls. That went a long way for some people in the audience, myself included.

I didn’t realize that Ben Affleck had directed this movie until it was over. This is only his second film, Gone Baby Gone being his first, and I was surprised that it was so much better than his previous.

Not to spoil the film for you, but I enjoyed it. It had a ton of Boston worked in, from their accents (which almost go overboard sometimes), to their untouchable attitude that people in that city seem to have. There were also numerous scenes shot in obvious Boston-based places, and you could tell that part of the intention in this film was to show how real and honest these people from Charlestown are. They did a great job of making it seem authentic.

You won’t be shocked with the ending of this movie. It plays out exactly how you think it will from the time that it starts to the time the credits roll. You almost get bored in certain parts of the film because you always know what is going to happen next. They also use a lot of unnecessary profanity in this film. Granted, I think there are times it is necessary, but the film is rated R and they took that as an open invitation to say as many cuss words as possible.

Netflix had this to say about the film:

“As tenacious FBI agent Adam (Jon Hamm) hunts him down, ingenious bank robber Doug (Ben Affleck) pursues a risky relationship with Claire (Rebecca Hall), one of his former hostages. But while Doug and his cohorts plan their next hit, Adam hones in on Claire and falls for her in the process. Directed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan’s novel Prince of Thieves, this intricate thriller also stars Chris Cooper, Blake Lively and Jeremy Renner.”

The one thing that stood out to me was the soundtrack. No matter where they were, whether having dinner or hanging out in the strip clubs after a big job, the music was a perfect mix for their lifestyle. It helped get me through the boring parts and the scenes that you wish had been edited out before this movie hit theaters.

We saw this on opening night and when we got to the theater we expected it to be a packed house. It was not, and the theater never got completely full. It was also in a very small theater holding only 170 people at capacity.

Before the movie started Sheryl and I both looked at some reviews of the film and were confused why so few people were there. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a great rating, and Netflix had suggested I would give it a 4-star rating. (That is hard to do, as I am a very tough critic when it comes to rating movies on Netflix, and a 4-star rating is rare.)

I ended up giving this film a 3-star rating on Netflix, but only because of how predictable it was. Nothing in this film will surprise you. Also, there is a part toward the end where one of the characters gets shot in the face. Now, I have never seen someone shot in the face before, but when he is shot just a little trickle of blood runs down his face as he lays there dying. I am sure that if you were shot in the face with an assault rifle, there might be a little more blood than that.

Regardless, go see the movie but see it in the theater. There are too many scenes, especially the scenes that have intense shootouts and car chases that require the surround sound experience that you get in a theater.

Did you see The Town on opening weekend? What did you think of the film?

As soon as these guys start playing all I can think about is throwing the devil horns up and letting the music take control. Hard rock music doesn’t even begin to describe what these guys bring to the stage. They have sick guitars matched with intense drums and polished lyrics all coming together to produce a sound that belongs on stage with bands like Breaking Benjamin or Disturbed. They even hint around with some screaming here and there; and it works. Some of their tunes start off slow, almost sounding acoustic, until you get a few measures into the song when the electric guitars take over and the band just kills it. You can tell the lyrics were written from past experience and that they come from nowhere short of the heart. I have no idea where I met these guys, but I am glad that I have had the chance to listen to their tunes and work with them here on the blog. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Coping Method.

Where did you guys come up with the name Coping Method?

(Brandon) My buddy Bobby Ingals came up with the name when we were in a band together.  I kept the name when Andrew and I started playing music.  I had just lost a child and felt that music was my Coping Method.

Where did you guys meet?

(Brandon) I work with Andrew.

(Billy) I went to school with Reece and used to jam together back in middle school. Reece contacted me at the beginning of 2010 and asked me if I was interested in joining a band so I gave it a shot and here I am today.

(Cody) I played in a band with Brandon years back.  We lost touch when I joined the Marines, but when I got back home we got back in touch.  He asked me to audition for the band. And the rest is history.

How long have you been performing together?

We have only been together for about three or four months.

Who writes all the lyrics?

We all chip in from time to time but the majority of the lyrics come from Andrew.

Where do you get inspiration for a new track?

Life, anger and just jamming as a band until we find something we like.

Where do you guys practice?

We practice at Andrew’s house.

Do you have jobs outside of the music business?

(Andrew) Brandon and I are supervisors for a logistics company.

(Billy) I am an Assistant Manager at Quizno’s.

(Cody) I work for a trenching company that travels throughout the state.

Where can I get some Coping Method merchandise?

Right now you have to contact us directly.  Since we are a new band we are still looking to get merchandise together.

How do you guys know Michael DDE Miller?

(Cody) I went to high school with Michael and he posted some information on MySpace. So, I got in touch with him.

What are your thoughts on the recent obsession with social media?

We think the recent obsession is mainly because people are always craving ways to get more knowledge.  And with social media it’s very easy and you can access it when you want unlike traditional media.

Are you guys on Twitter?

No, not yet.

Any tattoos in the band?

Yes, Cody and Brandon have several.

Who has the most?

Cody.

Explain to me what someone can expect seeing you live for the first time?

They can expect solid melodies mixed with heavy riffs and good energy coming from the band.

I am seeing a trend here with skulls. Any reason behind that?

Cause it’s METAL!

Describe your genre in one word.

Rock.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Pantera, Slipknot, Megadeth, Chevelle, Tool, Seether, Hurt, Incubus, and Sevendust to name a few.

Where are you originally from?

(Brandon) I am from Napoleon, Indiana.

(Billy) Connersville, Indiana for me!

(Andrew) Toledo, Ohio over here.

(Cody) Versailles, Indiana.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

(Brandon) Rage Against the Machine at Rock the Bells in California a few years ago.

(Billy) Summer Sanitarium.

(Andrew) Sevendust at 8 Seconds Saloon.

(Cody) Avenged Sevenfold at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

(Brandon) A few hundred.

(Billy) About 200 people during a high school homecoming parade.

(Cody) Around 100.

The smallest?

(Brandon) 10.

If you could only perform one song for the rest of your career, which song would you pick?

(Andrew) Pain Is All I See.

(Cody) That’s Impossible to answer.

Let’s say that you are about to headline a show at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who would you have open for you?

(Brandon) Sevendust.

(Billy) Tool.

(Andrew) Chevelle.

(Cody) 650 North.

Do you play outside of Indianapolis very often?

Actually the Battle of Birdy’s will be our first show.  But we will play shows just about anywhere; all we need is people to ask.

What are you drinking on stage?

(Brandon) Miller Lite for me.

(Billy) I just usually drink water on stage.

(Andrew) Beer and water; a great combination!

(Cody) Heinekenis my beer of choice.

When you perform live, do you encourage a mosh pit or do they just happen naturally?

Whatever happens, happens.  We definitely will encourage and try to pump the crowd up.

Any word on a full-length disc anytime soon?

Not at this time. We are still just trying to get the music up to the level we want and to play some shows then we will hit the studio.  Hopefully at that time a record label will be paying for the studio. (Laughs)

I love your logo. Who designed that?

(Brandon) It’s something I have been messing with since high school. I call it a tribal demon.

What’s with all the nicknames? I need explanations here guys!

Well, Billy “Ballie” Kemker is a mix of a song we have called Balls in your Face so Ballie is a drunken mixing of Balls and Billy.  Andrew “Sector 4″ Reece is a touchy subject I don’t think he wants everyone to know. Cody’s nickname is because Cody came to one of our early practices wearing a t-shirt with a cat on it. I will let you figure out the rest!  And Brandon “b” Murray is because I started the web page so I made fun of everybody except myself.

How cool it is being involved with the Battle of Birdy’s?

It’s amazing to be able to get onstage and play where many great bands have played.  And have the chance to compete against some of the best bands in Indiana.  It will be nice to get our name out there a little bit.  We can’t wait to hit the stage and rock out!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(Brandon)  Playing music.

(Billy) Still playing music along with everything else.

(Andrew) Hopefully not working where I am at now.  And playing music with a huge fan base.

(Cody) Rocking.

What do you want to be remembered for when it’s all said and done?

(Brandon) Nothing in particular; just want to be remembered.

(Andrew) I want to be remembered for great live performances and good looks.

(Cody) Slapchop!

(Billy) Awesome live shows.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Come out and see us at the Battle Of Birdy’s.  And check us out on MySpace.  If you would like to book us hit us up there as well.  Thanks to everyone involved with Coping Method, anyone who reads this interview, Joe Lepper (cowbell aficionado), Michael “DDE” Miller and Ricky Potts from rickyleepotts.com.  Get ready… here we come!

This year marks the 9th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. I don’t find it necessary to go into details – I don’t think there are many people who don’t know what happened on that fateful September day. 2,977 innocent people died in those attacks. I was seven years old, and over 3,000 miles away when the attacks happened, so I don’t feel adequately qualified to comment just how much it impacted on America as a nation. What I would like to focus on more is the aftermath of the attacks; how the world was changed as the years have gone by.

I think what some people have forgotten, as President Obama stated at the ceremony of the Pentagon, was that it is not Islam as a whole that made the horrific attacks – it was a small number of extremists who misread the teachings and values of their religion.

I have never been an advocate of religion – I don’t think its right that people put their lives in the hands of invisible deities. I do however agree that the teachings of some religions should be used in the course of our lives to make our lives, and the lives of those around us, better.

I, for instance, use different parts of the Buddha’s teachings, the Qur’an and the Bible to live my life by. I do not consider myself a Buddhist, a Muslim or a Catholic. It is not right that a few people’s foolishness and ignorance should tarnish a religion that teaches nothing but peace and forgiveness. I hate to bring something like this up, but a small number of Catholic preachers have been accused over the years of child molestation – does this make all Catholics child molesters? No – the same goes that all Muslims are not terrorists.

Using religion as a reason to harm others is wrong – whichever way you look at it. Organized religion – whichever way you look at it, has always been an instigator of violence and hatred over the years. A certain pastor recently came up with the idea for Burn a Koran Day.

This man is a complete idiot.

Was burning an entire religions holy book going to stop extremists? Was Al-Qaeda going to see this event and see it as a reason to stop what they believe right now is right? No. If he had gone ahead with it, the only thing it would have done would have given Muslims a reason to believe that all of America was as ignorant. It would have bred more hatred and given birth to yet more extremists. I’m really glad his idiocy was halted before it could do any real damage.

Once again, something I don’t feel qualified to comment on is the building of an Islamic centre a few blocks away from Ground Zero. Which I see more as a multicultural centre after reading up more about it – instead of just listening to those who were automatically against it:

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf wrote in The New York Times that the Islamic centre near Ground Zero will have separate prayer spaces for people of many faiths to pray (along with a 500-seat auditorium, theater, performing arts center, fitness center, swimming pool, basketball court, childcare area, bookstore, culinary school, art studio and food court)

“There will be separate prayer spaces for people of many faiths to pray”, according to the Imam, who noted that the centre will also include a multi-faith memorial dedicated to the nearly 2,800 people killed in the 9/11 attacks.”

Isn’t it funny how people have overlooked the fact that the design includes the memorial, a memorial which is being built by Muslims who were also shocked at what the extremists had done, and also had relatives in the WTC?

Reading through the comments of relatives of 9/11 victims when they were asked about the centre, I was shocked at the comments from the people who supported it. One woman’s comment I thought was full of clarity and sense that only somebody who has suffered something dire and life shattering and has a strong sense of forgiveness can say:

“I have absolutely no problem with it, I support it wholeheartedly as a place to continue to build bridges, create understanding,” Ms Bethkey said. “The more we walk in each others’ cultures and each others’ shoes and learn about one another, the less possibility there is for misunderstanding.”

I think if the world would take time to listen to people like this, then it would be a much safer, and happier place to live in.

*This is a guest blog post from a good friend of mine, Charlie Roberts.

At Electric Zoo 2010 over Labor Day weekend, over 50,000 music lovers and over 70 of the world’s best DJs and artists chased Hurricane Earl out of Randall’s Island Park in New York City for two sold-out days. Cool breezes and hot beats were as abundant as electronic music styles, including techno, trance, house, dubstep, electro and more, from artists like The Chemical Brothers, Armin van Buuren, Axwell, Bassnectar, Moby, Major Lazer, Pretty Lights and Richie Hawtin. Not to mention the variety of food choices—from Miss Softee’s specialty “electric cone,” ice cream topped with Pop Rocks to Pizza Moto’s wood-fired pizza—which all came together as a true celebration of the today’s global dance music culture and a raging success for the festival’s second year.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming turn-out for our second year. We view it as a testament to the growing popularity of electronic music in America and the fact that we all just want to hear a good beat.  The enthusiasm of the crowd was truly inspiring to us. Thanks to everyone for coming out to dance – we are already looking forward to EZ 2011!”

- Laura De Palma & Mike Bindra, Electric Zoo Executive Producers

This year, Electric Zoo added even more to the festival’s visual art experience, inviting renowned artists Chor Boogie, Mr. Maxx Moses, Doze Green, Cern, Cekis, and Brent Nolasco to showcase their diverse styles and collaborate together by painting the Sunday School Grove buses. One bus will be donated to NYC Arts Cypher, a non-profit organization committed to promoting positive values through arts and entertainment programs, projects and events among at risk youth, to be used as a mobile art workshop/multimedia lab. The other bus will be returning to Electric Zoo next year!

Here is What Everyone Else is Saying

“America’s Biggest Dance Parties: Electric Zoo Festival”  – Rolling Stone

“In a musical zone that diligently parses itself into subgenres, the festival’s 67 acts added up to both a dance marathon and a broad-spectrum survey, from crowd-pleasing trance and relentless techno to abstract minimal house. In the three tents and on an outdoor main stage… every style put bodies in motion.”  – Jon Pareles, New York Times

“Electric Zoo went down in a big way over Labor Day weekend on Randall’s Island in New York City. Complete with an all-star lineup, four stages, perfect weather, and two days of sold-out 25,000+ person crowds, the festival was nothing less than epic.” – Frank151

“[The Chemical Brothers] was a phenomenal close to a gorgeous day, filled with extraordinary talent, exhilarating consumption, and exhausting dance moves.”  – BlackBook Magazine

“New York is one of the best markets for electronic music and there are a lot of fans. New York finally has the [Electronic Dance Music] festival it deserves.” – Armin van Buuren

“The last time I’d played Randall’s Island was Lollapalooza in 1995, and Electric Zoo was bigger! The production was great, and the audience was amazing!” – Moby

“Electric Zoo was amazing! New York definitely brought the energy!”  – Laidback Luke

“EZ was amazing this year!  The production was a lot more intense and the crowds were ready for it – the energy was through the roof.  It makes me happy to see everyone so excited about EDM in NYC again…the way it should be.  This is the best festival on the East Coast and it is only its 2nd year!” – Kaskade

“I loved playing Electric Zoo! The crowd looked like they were having the time of their life.” – A-Trak

“Electric Zoo just raised its bar up notches from last year. Sold out crowd for NYC and the people were having it all the way to the end. Amazing festival and lineup.” – Steve Aoki