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Dave Smiley likes to party. Dave is the host of the Smiley Morning Show on 99.5 WZPL here in Indianapolis, and I have run in to him several times at various events. We have become buddies over the years and we talk on Twitter quite a bit. Anyway, every fall Smiley throws a party. I told you he likes to party. This year he had some pretty big bands play including The Fray and Simple Plan. I have seen those guys before… but it was the band that opened that got me excited. Their name sounded SO familiar to me, but I just couldn’t place it. That was until they came on stage. I knew I had heard them before! I was actually working that show, and got the chance to see them up close and personal. The band was LoveSick Radio. I was so impressed I reached out to them for an artist interview. So… here we are. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to LoveSick Radio.

I am sick of radio! But not lovesick… where did the name come from?

The name came from our drummer. He was going through a break up at the time and was complaining that all the songs he was hearing were sad songs. He said it was like the radio was lovesick. We all kind of looked at each other and said, “Write that down.”

Where did you guys all meet?

The Josh, Josh and Justin went to high school together. One night, depending who you ask, Josh Masters literally ran into David at a bar and spilled his drink on him. They got to talking about music and the next week we decided to try playing some music. The songs we came up with sucked. But they were good enough to realize we were on to something.

There are two of you… is one Josh #1 and the other Josh #2?

For some reason people think they are brothers because they have the same first name. I don’t get that one.

The name is pretty long. Can I just call you LSR?

(Laughs.) Please do.

Some call it pop. Some might call it rock. I would call it alternative. What do YOU call it?

We call in all three… rock/pop/alternative. We listen to everything so it only fair those would come through when people listen to us.

I just saw you guys with Simple Plan and The Fray. Was that a one-night stand, or was there a tour involved?

We just did that one show. We have played with Simple Plan before so it was cool seeing them again. The Fray guys were great to us. We look forward to playing with them again soon.

Since the word “radio” is in your name… I bet you guys get a lot of airplay. Do you remember the first time you heard your work on the radio? What was that experience like?

I remember every time. Every city you go to and your song comes on the radio is rad. We have it on film when they played us for the first time in Chicago. That’s a pretty cool clip that I’m glad we captured.

So I am in LOVE with Spotify. Do you guys use that? It’s WAY better than Pandora in my opinion.

Spotify is great! I’m a music junkie so I love having access to most CDs at any moment I want.

You guys have a street team. What do they do for you?

They spread the word about us online, help with flyers and help out at shows. We love the people that enjoy this band. They make every moment worth it.

Back to the Internet for a second… in your opinion, how has the Internet changed the way people absorb music?

You have easy access to anything you want. Sometimes you have to dig through some not great music, but at least if you do you can find somethings you won’t hear on the radio.

January is almost over… but did you guys have a good NYE?

We played. Anytime we are on stage I’m very happy. So yes.

What are you listening to these days? What’s on your iPod?

That’s a tough question. I know Justin is digging Drake’s new CD. I’m listening to Aerosmith, Richie Kotzen, Bowie, Radiohead , INXS & the Stones. I’m trying to add some old school rock into the mix for our new CD. People need to hear some good guitar music on the radio.

Do you have any rituals before a show? You know… like chanting or hugging?

We put our hands together and Justin will say some crazy thing. It brings it back to the four of us before we head out to win people over.

Yes, I want you! Who writes all of the lyrics? 

We collaborate on everything. So it just depends.

I have seen it both ways… is it Lovesick Radio or LoveSick Radio?

We cap the “S”. We are very creative. Just kidding.

What is your connection to Z99.5? You guys know Smiley?

Z99.5 played my old band at a lot. We have some history there. We love those guys. Smiley and his whole crew are great.

What are you drinking on stage?

Probably vodka. Sometimes water.

What’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for? The smallest?

We played Meadowlands Stadium with Bon jovi and Kid Rock. That was 80,000! So that’s the biggest so far. As for the smallest, I would say when we played just for the staff and a few drunk people because no one we were playing somewhere in northern Illinois.

I see some tattoos there. Who has the most? Don’t they hurt?

I think I have the most. Justin is a close second. Not too bad. You should get one.

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

One time when we where playing oversea Masters hand locked up right before a bass solo. For me, my strap has broken a few times from me throwing my guitar around. Now I check the strap before we play and sometimes during.

When you sit down to write a song, where does the inspiration come from?

Life or something you see or hear about. Sometimes you are just playing and inspiration hits you.

What’s next… is there an album in the works?

We are making the second album now. It’s about time. I can’t wait to have people hear the new music and for us to start touring again.

Who runs the Twitter account? What about Facebook?

That’s me. I’m the online guy. So if you like what you see, it’s my fault. If you don’t… that’s my fault too. Our tour manger Noah helps sometimes.

When it’s all said and done, and the band is no more… what’s the LoveSick Radio legacy?

That’s the great thing about music. Our songs will live on forever.

In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

We just want to say thank you for asking us to do this. We also want to thank anyone that listens to us. Come see us play and tells people about us. We owe you everything. See you on the road this year.

Click here to “like” LoveSick Radio on Facebook.

Click here to follow LoveSick Radio on Twitter.

Until my friend Anton mentioned this band to me, I had never heard of them. I loved the name, and when he told me they won the 2011 Battle of Birdy’s, I knew they had to be good. Battle of Birdy’s is an event that happens every year that features some of the best talent in the Circle City. The Battle gets a lot of attention too, and tends to pack Birdy’s year after year. When these guys are on stage, the stage is packed too… there are nine of them. Needless to say, they make a lot of noise. What’s weird is that when you listen to them, you would never know there are so many guys in the band. They are very polished. It’s my pleasure to be sitting with and to introduce you to Phoenix On The Fault Line.

I love the name. Mainly because I love Arizona! Where did you guys come up with that band name?

When I joined the group they were trying to call themselves Kung-Fu Grip. I hated that name. I talked them into changing it and we underwent two weeks of tossing ideas on our white boards. When I got to practice one day Phoenix On The Fault Line was on the board. I knew that was it. A week later we voted, and here we are today. We all have different ideas of what it means. To me it means… brotherhood.

I also like the logo. Who designed that?

We currently have two logos floating around. One designed by Liegh Miller and the other by Dan Mecca at Bleeding Media.

You guys have some pretty mature lyrics. Who writes all of the lyrics?

Thank you! I write all of the lyrics. Sometimes the guys come up with the song titles though. On this last album I would say 80% of the titles were the original working titles for the songs. I just make it fit in with the mythology.

Your sound is very polished. It seems you have a pretty professional setup. Do you guys practice a lot to nail that down?

Yes we do. I am also very fortunate to be in the room with eight other extremely talented musicians. Separate we would have all taken different paths through this musical odyssey but together we form something much bigger than ourselves.

Where did you all meet?

Johann and I met playing in the band REBUILT several years ago. The rest of the guys have known each other for years. Some since childhood. When they first began this project, a mutual friend of ours put us together. I loved the sound and camaraderie so I stuck around.

There are a LOT of guys up there on stage… As you said, nine of you. Does it ever seem crowded up there?

Hell yes. Our combined weight is a little over a metric ton. It is kinda like a mosh pit, but on the stage. I collide with people and instruments nightly. I know better than to spill Jon Ball’s beer though. And if I do, I promptly get him another.

What’s with the nicknames… The Prospect and “Big” Andy?

Well sir, thats a long story. The name Johann 51 aka “Nate Gray” had to do with an incident involving an android on one of our adventures. The details of that incident are currently being scribed by our guitarist, Chip Strohs. He is our resident historian/journalist. Ocho was the eighth member. Big Andy and The Prospect are giants (and really brothers). Hence the “big” in Big Andy. The Prospect was our prospective final guy. Once he earned his way into the fraternal order that is POTFL he decided to keep that name. It’s a right of passage really. Once you are reborn into our brotherhood you choose your name and your numbers. Darby is just Darby. I don’t know if that is his first or last name. His wife calls him Darby so that’s good enough for us.

Why do you guys say 3317 A.D.?

I believe it has some sort of numerological value that has not been determined yet. The date itself was an accident. I was only trying to push us ahead by three days and well… I am not the mathematician of the group. Poof! We had gone too far. Time travel is an exact science with many coordinated factors. I, however, believe that everything happens the way it was destined to, so sometimes we just spit whiskey and go, go, go! It took us about a year to get back home but it was an awesome adventure that brought us all closer together.

Original rock in the city of Indianapolis is rare. How do you guys raise the bar night after night?

We tell our stories with the conviction of a dictator leading his troops to war! People seem to like the escape from reality that we provide them. Yes, we are talking about spaceships, zombie robots, and time machines but like in any good sci-fi experience, sometimes those things are just metaphors. Today’s music is a sad state of affairs indeed. Too much carbon-copied, mainstream media manipulation and over-processed corporate consumer nonsense. We don’t wear our sisters jeans, and we don’t use auto tune.

What’s your favorite venue to play in Indy?

I personally love The Melody Inn. We don’t quite fit in there anymore, but I love that place. There is a nostalgia that is thick in the air of that bar. Lots of blood, sweat, and whiskey tears have pushed through that place over the decades. I am glad we have gotten to be a part of it.

What’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for? The smallest?

The biggest show we have played so far was when we opened for Clutch last year. It was a sold-out show and an amazing opportunity and experience. I’d say the smallest show was when we traveled to a festival in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I think there were five people in the bar. The promoters messed that whole experience up. We still had a good time though.

The horns are so unique. What made you want to add horns to the band?

I don’t think we have ever had an intention of adding any instrument. We all just came together like the gravity of a collapsing star. Jon Ball was already part of the show when I walked through the doors. He was the reason I felt that we were on to something special. What he was doing with that baritone sax was not something I have ever heard being done. It was like the band Morphine had a bastard child. It made the sound they were creating unique. We added Darby about a year in and The Prospect jumped in last year. It’s not my lyrics that give us that sci-fi sound. It’s them.

I see you are whiskey drinkers. What’s your favorite whiskey?

I am a Kentucky bourbon man myself. James and Chip seem to like the Irish stuff. Darby is fond of Canadian sipping whiskey but I can’t speak for the rest of the gentlemen. With nine guys, favorites are never a cohesive thing. The consensus, however, is that whiskey is a good thing.

I want that logo on a shirt. What kind of merchandise do you guys have?

We have shirts, hats, hoodies and more. We are currently working on making a LOT more of a variety too. We are a DIY kinda group.

Really digging your website… what content management system do you use for that?

Thank you again! If you asked any of the guys what content management system is used they will tell you it’s called Tony Ferreira. I think they are under the impression that I manage the site with the power of my mind.  It is just bits and pieces of code I have collected and modified to meet our current needs.

P.O.T.F.L. is being featured on the X103 tribute to Nirvana. What does being a part of that project mean to you guys?

It was an honor to have the opportunity to cover one of the greats. Like them or not, Nirvana changed the game. With that respect in mind we tried to make the song our own.

You don’t play a ton of shows in Indy. Are you branching out of the Circle City and playing in other Midwest markets?

We traveled a lot at first but for the last year we have been at home building an army and finishing our new album, “Basement Of The Coliseum”. We will be branching out a bit in 2012 and even more in 2013.

Tell me a little bit more about your relationship with Shoot The Hostage Records.

Shoot The Hostage Records aka STH Media & Publishing is our label/company. We own and operate it. Our mission is to create a legacy of entertainment for the masses of this new interconnected society. Back ten to fifteen years ago you needed to sign with a label to get advertisement and distribution. Now the business model is totally different. I can make quality products and distribute them electronically to all points on the globe. Harnessing social media for advertisement purposes cuts out the millions I would have had to spend getting us out there into the eyes and ears of the world. Social media is the game changer. If you can overthrow governments with it, then you can build empires too.

Where do you guys practice?

We built a bunker in an undisclosed location. I could tell you where, but the Men in Black would undoubtedly show up at your door. I assure you they are not as fun or as witty as Will Smith portrays them to be. The bunker is pretty awesome actually. There are lots of fun electronics, a lab, music room, and of coarse a Jon Ball custom bar. There are NO time travel devices allowed at the bunker though. We learned that the hard way. I keep that stuff locked away safely out of Ocho’s idle hands.

You have a couple of albums under your belt. What have you learned along the way from one album to the next?

We have three now and a fourth one under construction. Through the process of making them we have learned how to work as a unit. We have also learned to check your ego at the door. We don’t hold each others hands through the writing process. I can make a suggestion, but ultimately if it’s your part, you make the decision of what to do there.  Newton’s first law of motion also applies. We keep charging forward with writing new songs. We have to keep that fire alive.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

Yes. We are swords for hire. We are basically like a time-traveling A-Team. If you can find us…. you can hire us.

I haven’t seen you live… yet. What can someone who hasn’t seen you perform expect from a show?

Exhilarating adventure! We take the listener on a journey. I expect to see you in the front row soon, sir!

You are getting a lot of radio play. You have been featured on stations here in the United States as well as overseas. What was it like the first time you heard your work on the radio?

Words can’t describe it really. We had not even released our first album yet and it was being played on the air. The best is when I am driving and I randomly catch us being played. It’s an awesome moment. Makes me proud of what we have accomplished and it never gets old.

I have to thank Anton Swartz for introducing me to you. How do you guys know him?

Anton and I used to work together at a tech company here in the Indianapolis/Carmel area. I have not been able to prove it, but I am pretty sure he is an extraterrestrial alien. I think he may be a little touchy about that subject, though, so I don’t push it. I will say this, though… if I am in a jam with my website, I call him.

I LOVE the “Basement of the Coliseum” album cover. Who designed that? What’s the meaning behind that image? It’s pretty powerful.

The original art work for the album was done by Faith Mullins. She also happens to be the sister of Jon Ball. She read the lyrics to a song off our album (SteamPig) and that is what she saw. Josh Smith (who also did the graphic design work on our first album) did the design work around Faith’s art. My favorite part of the picture is the two old men in the corner with their ale glasses held high in salute to the ship. The name of the ship is Parsifal. That is our salute to three extraordinary inventors. Hammond Van Ocher, Thomas Birks, and Joachim Jensen. They designed and built the first steam-powered flying pig and named it Parsifal. It is an amazing feat of engineering, truly. It is an even more amazing feat that Birks and Jensen have convinced people that it is just a  piece of art when really it is one of the most powerful airships in the galaxy. You can read more about them at steampig.com.

Are you familiar with rickyleepotts.com presents six bands for six bucks? I would love to chat with you guys about getting you on a bill.

I am indeed familiar with that idea, and we are totally down to rock out with you.

What’s 2012 look like for you guys? Got anything big planned this year?

We plan to release another album, hopefully in October. It’s a concept album tentatively titled “Dethiachi”. We are also hoping to work with a local film company doing a short film of the same name. I can’t tell you much about the concept behind the album but I’ll tell you this much. If Danny Trejo had thirty minutes of zombie killing to do this is what he would want to be listening to while he did it. We also have the novel that Chip is writing about our ridiculous adventures through space and time. If I get my way, there will be graphic novels too. Other than all that, we just plan to rock as much as we can all over Indiana and the Midwest.

When it’s all said and done, what’s the P.O.T.F.L. legacy? What do you want people to remember you for?

There is a lot of irony in asking a time traveler what he wants to be remembered for, don’t you think? We want to be remembered as game changers and adventurers. We take a lot of risks just being us. I want to always look back on what we have created and smile.

Thank you so much for taking the time to sit and chat today. I appreciate it guys. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Thank you so much for the interview, Ricky! I only have a few things to say and I’ll be on my way. Please support local art and music. We have a ton of exceptionally talented people in this town. With your support, we can make Indianapolis an epicenter for creativity in the years to come.

I would also like to tell any would be time travelers out there one extremely important bit of information… avoid 2217. That is all.

Click here to “like” Phoenix On The Fault Line on Facebook.

Click here to follow Phoenix On The Fault Line on Twitter.

Header photo compliments of Liz Nicol of 110db.

This guy lives up north… way north. He lives in Canada. He is actually one of the top instructors in Canada, and is just killing it with his social media efforts. He had a great 2011, and is ready to start 2012 on the right foot. He is the Director of Instruction at Wyndance Golf Club, and is a member of the PGA of Canada. Oh yeah, and he was the 2010 PGA of Canada and PGA of Ontario Teacher of the Year. He is also a PGA and the LPGA instructor and truly understands what it takes to raise the bar for his students. From lessons, clinics and camps, this guy is always available to help you get better at the game. I look up to this guy on so many levels… it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Jason Helman.

I’m starting to get the hang of these PGA professional interviews. There is so much I want to know about Jason Helman. Where do we begin… well, let’s start with your career of choice? What made you want to get into golf?

Well, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do after graduating high school but in 1991 I tripped across an advertisement in Golf Digest for the San Diego Golf Academy, now the Golf Academy of America offering a degree program.  I was already working at a resort that owned a course and I was helping manage the day-to-day operations so, I figured I would turn pro. The program and education I received was phenomenal. I still have many of those relationships today.

You are all over Twitter. Did you enjoy 7 Nights At The Twitter Academy?

I’m very active with social media; I really enjoy Twitter. It has led me to some amazing people in the golf industry such as John Graham and Jason Sutton to name a couple… and the rest of the 7 Nights At The Twitter Academy team.

The Project – “7 Nights At The Twitter Academy” that I developed and put together involved an entire team of people. Rob McGill, Sara Dickson, Jason Sutton, Andrew Marr, Kirk Oguri and Dennis Sales. I came up with the idea after hearing an ad for the Golf Channel’s preview and thought to myself why don’t we do this on Twitter? So, I recruited 7 Coaches from across North America, put a few movie trailers together for the show, sent them the agenda and we were off producing and tweeting about it.  It wasn’t really to rival the Golf Channel; they have a slightly larger budget than us but it was a huge success. We managed 1,719 video views in total for the first week by just posting the unlisted videos on Twitter. In the second week, we blew the videos up on our blogs and Facebook pages and the views tallied up to 2,485. This was kind of a social media experiment as well, to see just how and what works best to get our message out to our clients, golfers and fellow professionals. The videos will be public very soon.

You said “take the “hit” out of the chip” in your video from 7 Nights At The Academy. Past watching the video, what exactly does taking the “hit” out of chip do?

Over the past 19 years I continuously see people trying to make a full golf swing within their short game in an abbreviated, often, inconsistent tempo. They get to the top of a back swing, then they realize they’ve gone too far back, slow down as a reaction then speed up at the bottom. Instinctively, they use their hands and wrists as leverage, to gain speed after they’ve slowed down which turns into more of a “hitting” movement as the majority of the rest of the body has ceased to engage, or essentially stops. If I can get players to use their body parts in the correct sequence they will be able to achieve more solid shots versus this type of segmented motion.

Wait a second… you were the 2010 PGA of Canada Teacher of the Year? That’s pretty sweet. Did winning that affect your lessons at all? How did they deliver the news?

Yes, I was much busier this year and I have a lot of new customers. I got a phone call on a Monday night in February. I was grocery shopping and I almost didn’t answer the call as it was only a 5 digit number that showed up on my mobile, so I thought it was a telemarketer, but, luckily, I picked it up anyway, on the other end was the PGA of Canada President, Glenn Cundari. He was happy to advise me that I had won the coveted award. We had a brief chat, I thanked him and the selection panel and had to sit on it for 7 days until they released their press release which actually gave me time to do my own as well, then of course straight to the social media platforms. I was allowed to tell a few people so of course I called my parents up and texted a few close friends immediately.

By the way, I like that belt buckle.

Thanks; gotta represent. Callaway has been great to me.

Not too many left-handed players out there. Is it weird hitting from the other side of the ball? (I’m right handed… if you couldn’t tell!)

Actually, in Canada this isn’t as much of a rarity as it is in the USA. Our past time is hockey and the majority of players are left-handed and the motion or movement simply carries forward into golf for the most part; it’s in our DNA. But golf is booming here. I read an article this summer that stated more people in Canada play golf than they do hockey. 7 out of 10 times I get the old joke, “Oh you stand on the wrong side of the ball.” So, whenever someone let’s me know that I’m on the wrong side of the ball. I’m quick to call them out and ask them how many right-handed Masters champions from Canada are there? “Pardon,” did you say, “None. I think it is you that is on the wrong side of the ball,” with a small chuckle and grin. Although, I find it way easier to teach right-handers as I can stand opposite them and they can mirror me. I have a great title for my book that will hopefully be finished soon that will touch a little on this issue.

Callaway hat… Callaway shirt. Let me guess… they sponsor you?

Callaway has been very supportive. I’ve been with them for the last 5 years. Thanks to Scott, Preben, Tally and Barry. I hope I can do more with them. I would love to do a series of instructional videos in the future. Cross your fingers.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Ottawa and then we moved to a very small town called Westport where I grew up. Population 700 at the time.

Tell me a little bit more about Tip It Up Golf Talk Radio.

I did a few radio shows as a golf insider but found it starting to get tough to stay in the media spotlight, so I figured I’d start my own radio show. It’s fun and I do it all from my home office, wait, I mean in a big radio studio. (Laughs.) I defer and bow to the power of my Mac. I choose the people I want to interview. All the shows are pre-recorded a couple of days ahead, so they’re “live to air”. I have a lengthy list of contacts and respected people within the industry and try to align myself with people that are willing to reciprocate in building our brands or businesses together. I’m going to start uploading them to iTunes very soon.

I would love to be on that show! Anyway, I’m looking through your blogroll… there are some pretty great blogs on there. I LOVE  John Graham’s blog. Do you read all of those on a regular basis?

I’m happy to give some blogroll love. If you’re listed on my blogroll it’s a huge sign of respect, admiration or in some cases reciprocation. John is a great guy. I’m happy to call him more than just my colleague; he’s my friend, and we did an AimPoint Technologies clinic together this year. It was the first one ever to be scheduled in the Toronto area. I try and read as much as possible, but as you know, “content is king”, so I’m fairly busy with my own projects trying to keep up with the Jones’ so to speak or the Graham’s and Guru’s in this case (wink, wink!)

Starting with your driver, what’s in your bag? I even want to know what golf ball you play!

Well, of course you’re going to see a little Callaway represented here:

• Driver – Callaway RAZR Hawk 9.5 Tour (with an Accra M5 S3 Dymatch (75g) shaft)
•  3W – RAZR Hawk Tour (with an Accra Accra M5 S3 Dymatch (85g) shaft)
• 2H – Diablo hybrid (18 degree) (with an Accra Accra M5 S3 Dymatch (95g) shaft)
• 3 iron – RAZR X Forged Cavity – KBS – Xflex
• 4 – PW – RAZR X Tour Prototype – KBS Xflex
• SW (56) – 10 bounce & LW (60) 8 bounce – Jaws X-Series – KBS Hi-Rev shafts
• Putter(s) – Odyssey Black Series #1 Wide or #2
• Ball – Callaway Tour iS

What’s your favorite golf course? You are NOT allowed to say Wyndance G.C.

Well, that’s good this opens it up to North America. I was narrowed down to Canada on the Morning Drive when Erik light heatedly jumped on me for picking my own course. It really is a tremendous test and property that Mr. Greg Norman sculpted together. Okay, I will have to go with the Olympic Club in San Francisco. A friend of mine was an assistant there and I was fortunate to play both courses. The Cliffs course is probably the most fun par 3 course that I’ve played in the world. I actually had so much fun I played it again… picture perfect ocean views, double tees and double greens; it was a cool experience.

If you meant in Canada, I will go with Bigwin Island Golf Club, a Doug Carrick design fun to play and from a picturesque standpoint it’s amazing. The National Golf Club of Canada for the tougher test of golf; it’s been ranked #1 for I don’t know how many years.

Speaking of Wyndance, do you get to play a lot of golf being the Director of Instruction?

It depends. As you know it’s a short window here in Canada to earn revenue. I try and play in as many men’s nights at the club as possible. I look at that day as my day off. I guess I probably play about 20 full rounds a year with some late evening 9 hole rounds here and there. For the most part I spend the majority of my time coaching.

Let’s say I wanted to book a lesson with you. What’s that first lesson like?

Well, I would let you know that I don’t teach “lessons”, I provide “coaching sessions”. This concept or paradigm shift has to change for golfers. People need to understand that taking a “lesson” really isn’t going to make much of a difference in their game.  I’m trying to get golfers to comprehend that they should be adopting a coaching model.  I recently wrote a practice article that will be out this season that discusses a similar comparison to this concept. I will not be offering a single session option this year within my academy.

As for your first coaching session, firstly there’s an intake form for you to fill out and then we do a short interview with a series of questions pertaining to how long you’ve played, short term goals, self correction attempts, pertinent injuries, and other questions that I routinely go through to interact and engage with the student. We then move onto a short athletic screening followed by the student showing me their current talent level.  I usually have them hit six shots.  After that I have a pretty good idea of what direction I want to go with the student. Depending on what we’re doing I will sometimes have a fun little match against them at the end of the session.

 You are all over the place… you were recently on Golf Channels hit show the “Morning Drive”. I LOVE those guys. What was that experience like? (I feel like I’m interviewing a celebrity here!)

I graduated from the Golf Academy of America and came down to speak for about 6 hours to 6 individual classes. We parlayed it into a couple of other visits to ESPN Radio and the “Morning Drive” was certainly a highlight of 2011 without question. The people at the Golf Channel were awesome! I was kind of nervous, but simply tried to think that I was just sitting down with the guys talking golf.  I’ve been on TV before but they advised me I was giving a tip about an hour before the show when I was sitting in the green room. The studio is very small; it’s definitely not super safe to swing a club. So, with the “safety first” mentality, I decided on a short game bump and run shot so we didn’t take out a flat screen.  Everyone was very friendly and accommodating they made me feel just like I was part of their team and wow did 6 minutes go by fast… seemed like 30 seconds. I hope I get to do it again. We’ll see.  I’m working on that celebrity status. One of my goals in life or golf is to leave a long lasting memory on the sport and be one of the most prominent teachers to ever come out of Canada. It’s a process but I will get there.

What’s the Digital Golf Coach?

This is a new piece of equipment that I’m going to start training my athletes with. It can do a variety of things that I know will assist players in developing skills faster. It helps with developing putting feel as well as sequence or pattern training in the swing. You can use it to train with specific clubs, positions and/or swing techniques, and practice rhythm and tempo with the metronome functionality or play a practice round with it to capture the data and come up with real raw data of what you do during a round versus what you accomplish on the range range. It also has the ability to upload the data to a digital web portal for the coach to analyze the information even if he/she wasn’t present during your practice. Through the use of more advanced software on the portal, the golfer can see his or her swing through 3D animations. No doubt, It has a cool factor but the information it provides the golfer will far outweigh that in results.

You are a member of the Golf Business Network. How has being affiliated with those guys helped you grow as an instructor?

The Golf Business Network is an organization that specifically identifies the necessities required for specific categories of the golf industry and they provide valuable information and seminars that help members of those specific categories grow or develop their business model.

Will we see you at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show?

You bet! I will also be there for the #tweetup #2012!

You look good in green… nearly all of your magazine covers you’re wearing a green shirt!

Thanks… I’m not even Irish! (Laughs.) I’m of Scottish/German heritage. It wasn’t really feasible for me to fly down to Florida for the last cover so we got approval from a previous shoot to use those photos. I have a running joke with one of the girls (Sarah) that I used to work with at the club that I wore it just for her because she likes lime green shirts on me too. I sent her a couple of signed copies just for fun. I guess I’ll have to do another photo shoot with some new headshots.

You have a degree in Professional Golf Management. Where did you go to school? Did you play golf in college?

I had originally been accepted to a couple of universities here in Canada to play football and go through to be a school teacher. I was a quarterback but certainly had the foresight to see what the future might offer given my size, 5’9, 185, quick with a good arm but also a realist. I was more the Doug Flutie style but I could see the forest through the trees. So, I took a year off and figure out what I wanted to do in life. I saw an ad in Golf Digest as mentioned above and I chose to attend The Golf Academy of America and choose golf as my passion to follow.  It was a great experience and if anyone wants to get into the golf business I would recommend they enroll in this program. I learned and gained so much from the instructors and coaches at this college. Brad Turner, Charlie King, and the late Coach Conrad Rehling were all mentors to me in a variety of facets that relate to the industry.

What does being a class “A” member mean?

In my opinion, becoming a Class “A” Member of the alliance of PGA’s certainly proves that you were willing to complete a program and achieve a higher education in industry knowledge. An apprentice in any trade always strives to complete the set program, it provides the ability to earn more money, earn higher job positions, gain a certain amount of respect and support within your industry as a member of the organization. Here in the PGA of Canada we have candidates for Membership and Assistants, once you earn your Class “A” certification you become an official member of the association.

There are a LOT of great PGA teaching professionals out there. Putting the top 100 list aside, who is the best teacher in the world?

That’s kind of a loaded question. There are a number of them that are great marketers and brand builders. I don’t really favorite one teacher over another. I think the best teacher in the world is the one that can communicate, bond, build relationships, develop and present clear concise concepts and information to their students in a fun, creative learning environment so that we can continue to grow the game and our students continue to love the game.

What does it take to hold PGA TOUR credentials? Do you have to apply for that every year?

The tour sends them to you every year but you have to have a player on the PGA, Nationwide or Champions Tour that you work with. Yes, your player applies for them every year and signs off on the paper work to the tour headquarters and they issue your new one.

Speaking the TOUR, what player(s) have you worked with on TOUR? Do you follow them to events or just coach from home?

I’ve worked with several players over the years. Tyler Martin, Bryn Parry, Keith Nolan, Sara Brown, Alana Johnson, Seema Sadekar, Stacey Bieber and Rebecca Lee Bentham to name a few. And it depends… I’ve traveled regionally if their close by the area or they’ve flown me to events such as US Open Sectionals or other big events. I also Skype with them, usually just to share lots of positive thoughts and re-assurance as well as Facebook, Twitter or the old school text message. But, nothing is better than being there for the hands on experience if it’s cost feasible.

Calling text messaging old school… I love it! You are all over social media outlets… you even blog. In your opinion, how has that changed the way your business operates? How has the Internet changed the face of the golf industry?

Well, if you’re not participating in the social media arena in this day and age, you’re in the dark ages. I’ve set aside time every Monday morning during the season to accomplish or keep up with this side of the marketing/communication or attend to new business. As for changing the industry, there’s a lot more information out there for golf that’s for sure and if you’re not one of the people presenting or engaging the very people that are seeking the information I’m afraid you’re going to be left behind.  The customer will simply seek out other information providers and your potential client may have just clicked on your competitor’s site.

I know you have a Swinkey… what color? Mine’s pink!

Mine is tile wrapped with my company logo. Are you surprised? I didn’t think so. (Laughs.)

Do you listen to music when you practice?

I don’t listen to music when I practice. One would have to have enough time to actually practice for me to do that. My “to do” list is way too long. I probably had 2 quality practice sessions last season where I actually had the opportunity to focus.

What’s a lesson (coaching session) with you cost? Do you set your prices, or does the facility? 

As mentioned earlier, I won’t be offering any lessons. If someone wants a single it will probably be something like $250/hour for a couple of reasons. One, I’m not interested in teaching one off band aid sessions and it’s my objective to steer people to a learning/coaching model. My coaching plans will be 3 Month, 6 Month or 12 Month plans. I set my own pricing according to the other facilities within the current model of the club and other pros in the area. You get what you pay for in this world.

Do you do playing lessons?

Yes, more and more people are finally finding that these are more beneficial than range practice. I find myself coaching more on the course than on the range every year. This is where the game is played and this is where people should learn after they have developed some of the skill sets we worked on or patterned.

You are a pretty active member of the Business of Golf Instruction on Facebook. Have you learned anything in the group? What value do you see in sharing all of that information?

I really like that group. Most of the people that participate are friendly and willing to share their ideas. I try and help as much as possible where I can in expressing some of my experiences over the years and hopefully some of the group members can benefit from that knowledge. I have learned a few things and tried to incorporate some of those ideas into my business in order to grow my customer base as different things work better for certain demographics.

What’s next for Jason Helman… what does 2012 have in store for you, your golf game, and for Jason Helman Golf?

Well, 2012 got off to a good start. I was named to the Top 50 US Kids Instructor Honorable Mention worldwide list and while this is certainly an achievement being one of the few Canadians named to this list, I’m still striving for the top. So, one of the goals for next year will be to move up a list to the US Kids Top 50 Teacher List. I have a number of things/goals to accomplish for 2012, setting up a school in the USA and China, finish and launch my book, do another episode of “7 Nights At The Twitter Academy”, attain a couple of more tour players, attend a couple of trade shows, booking some corporate outings, the PGA of Canada Coach of the Year award is on my radar, try and line up some speaking engagements for social media and instructor business development.

I will shut up now… but I could talk to you all day buddy! Thank you so much for taking part in this. That was a lot of fun. In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

I’m sure we’ll have lots of time to chat at the tweet up and PGA Merchandise Show. I had a great time and thank you for the support. If any other professionals would like to partner up with a clinic or school I’d be happy to join forces. Having said that if any fellow professionals require any opinions or assistance I have an open door, open contact policy, feel free to drop me a line. #howgolfprosroll

Click here to “like” Jason Helman Golf on Facebook

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Click here to watch Jason Helman Golf on YouTube.

One day, on my way to work, I turned on the radio. I usually listen to NPR in the morning, but for some reason I switched it over to another station. I can’t remember what station it was on, but they were in the middle of an interview with a man who worked for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The interview was really good, and I was inspired by what this man had to say. I was so impressed, I stopped the car and looked him up on my phone. I would eventually reach out to him to learn more about his story and his battle with prostate cancer. His story is a good one… that’s for sure. The guy also blogs. We had something in common right from the start! It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dan Zenka.

Dan, I heard part of your story on the radio one day.  I have been intrigued to learn more about you since. You were on there talking about prostate cancer. Before we get too far into this, what’s your story?

I have to admit, there is a bit of irony to my story… I was already working at the Prostate Cancer Foundation for two years in my capacity as VP of communications… I had been having my annual PSA screening and DRE since I was 40 and suddenly, I was diagnosed with what appeared to be an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Within a year my PSA nearly doubled, going from 3.1 to 5.8. The biopsy revealed more than 50% involvement of my gland and a Gleason Score of 7 (4+3).

As my urologist dutifully started to pencil out my treatment options, I stopped him and said, “You can stop… I know we are headed for surgery.” He looked at me with surprise in his eyes until I told him where I work. I shared with him that I was tracking with everything he was telling me and that I understood the potential severity of my situation.

If I had known that I was going to one day be diagnosed and decided to set my sights on my current job, I doubt I would have been able to make that happen. Life doesn’t work that way!

The PCF says, “accelerating the world’s most promising research”. What has the research done over the last few years, and where is that research headed?

Prostate cancer research is one of the most promising areas of cancer research—in terms of results—for both patients and researchers. More progress has been made in the past two years than in the entire preceding decade. We’ve identified twenty-seven genotypes or varieties of prostate cancer—some are very aggressive and life-threatening while others are indolent or so slow growing that they are not life-threatening. We seen five new drugs approved for patients with advanced prostate cancer and we are making progress in developing better diagnostics so we can someday soon overtreat less and cure more.

You studied at the University of Southern California and are still living in LA. Do you ever travel outside of Cali? (Not sure why you would… it’s gorgeous there!)

LA is great, but my wife and I actually left LA in 1988 for Portland, Oregon. It’s one of the most beautiful areas of the country with a much gentler lifestyle. We’ve also lived in the Netherlands for several years which was a fabulous experience.

It looks like you grew a mustache for MOVEMBER. Did you shave? Someone told me that December was also a “no shave” month!

Actually, the blue moustache you saw on Facebook was the work of Photoshop. Following my radical prostatectomy, the post-surgical pathology showed that my cancer had metastasized to my lymph nodes. Since then I have had seven weeks of radiation treatment and I am currently in two to three years of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It cuts the production of testosterone which is a fuel for prostate cancer. It certainly makes for an interesting life: hot flashes, cold spells, night sweats, sleep problems, mood swings, laughing fits, muscle loss, extreme fatigue, etc. It’s why I call it a slow-drip chemo!

But it is doing what it is supposed to do. My testosterone level is way down and my PSA levels are imperceptible. But there are upsides: I don’t have to pay for a brazilian wax on my arms, legs and chest, and my male pattern baldness has reversed. (You see, testosterone creates a bi-product called di-hydrotestosterone which causes baldness!) When my surgeon first brought up ADT I remember asking if I would grow more hair on my head…

PCF raised over $14 million to support cancer research this year. That is impressive. How will those funds be spent?

Actually, PCF will have raised approximately $40 million to support research this year. Since 1993, we have raised more than $475 million. MOVEMBER raised $14 million in the US this year. We will split the proceeds from MOVEMBER with Livestrong in the U.S.

All proceeds that come to PCF are deployed rapidly to support game-changing research. We do not operate with an endowment. It’s cash in, cash out to support the research enterprise. It’s why we have been able to accelerate discovery in prostate cancer research. We also require our funded-researchers to share their data at our annual scientific retreat (a heretical idea when we were founded in 1993).

You can read about all of our research programs at www.pcf.org.

What are some of the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Unfortunately, prostate cancer is often a symptomatic, meaning that patients do not experience symptoms before they are diagnosed. The most common symptoms include pain in the lower back and hips, frequent urination, and interrupted urine flow. These could be dismissed easily by the average man. Other symptoms that are more likely to prompt a man to see his doctor are painful urination and blood in either his urine or semen.

Is there a way to check for that?

For years, the best first step in spotting a potential cancer has been the PSA test and the DRE (digital rectal exam). Men should speak with their physicians about a proactive plan that is right for them based on their physical shape and medical history when they reach 40.

But it must be clear, the PSA test is not a cancer test. It is the first diagnostic step in determining if there are any potential problems, including infection or enlargement, in the prostate. Prior to PSA testing, the majority of men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer were already had metastatic disease. Today, the reverse is true. What’s more, the death rate is now 40 percent lower than what was once projected.

A lot of diseases of there have cures… are we close with prostate cancer?

We are closer than ever to making prostate cancer a chronic or manageable disease rather than a life-threatening one. We are also closer to discerning which of the twenty-seven varieties need to be treated aggressively, which require moderate intervention and those which do not require immediate treatment and are suitable for active surveillance. This will enable us to prescribe personalized treatments and overtreat less while curing more. Ultimately, our goal is to find cures for the aggressive varieties.

With the progress we have achieved, many men are now living longer, more productive lives.

I don’t know many people affected by this… is it wide spread?

More than 16 million men worldwide are affected by prostate cancer. For 2010 in the U.S., 244,000 new cases were projected and 33,000 men were projected to die from this disease. In incidence and mortality, prostate cancer is to men what breast cancer is to women.

Who started the PCF?

PCF was founded by our chairman, Mike Milken shortly after he was diagnosed with advanced disease and told to get his affairs in order. He quickly discovered that prostate cancer research was virtually non-existent at that time. Thus, PCF’s model of venture philanthropy was born to support high-risk, high-patient-benefit research—the type many government programs do not sponsor. PCF’s involvement and model has helped build a global PCa research enterprise, built human capital to support research and enabled many—if not most—of the advances we have seen to date.

You haven’t always been at PCF. What did you do before?

I have worked on both the agency and corporate side of public relations and marketing communications for a wide spectrum of industries, both here and abroad. For the past eighteen years, my work has focused on life sciences and healthcare.

You work in and around communications… and I ask this all the time to the bands that I interview. How has the Internet changed the way that you do business? Has it changed the way you communicate on a daily basis?

Above all, the Internet and social media provide a wealth of opportunities for getting an organization’s message out to very specific, highly-engaged audiences. Blogs, user communities, Facebook and Twitter are very effective ways to communicate with targeted audience. It makes it easier to rise above the clutter. Of course, all of these venues require a high level of content generation. It’s a constant challenge to maintain a steady stream of high-quality, timely information. It has set a new standard. There is also a lot of poor information on the Internet. Those who can provide the quality information consumers are seeking, can set themselves apart from the rest.

It’s not easy getting published… but you have been published several times. Tell me about some of the things you have had published.

It’s as difficult as many think, especially in this time of reduced budgets and editorial staffs. If you have some of value to share, the expertise to back it up, and knowledge of where to pitch the idea, it’s achievable. My two recent favorite were Where’s the Prostate? (something many do not know, much less understand what it does) and Ladies, Check Your Prostates (women still make 85% of the healthcare decisions in households while men tend to neglect their regular checkups).  In my previous life, I published several articles on nanotechnology.

What exactly is nanotechnology?

That’s a whole other discussion we could spend hours on. It’s fascinating. Prior to ten years ago, we were working largely in the micro level. New technology has enable us to see and work on the nanoscale. Thus, we can increase storage capacity on disks—storing more data in less space and we can produce faster, more powerful computer chips and processors. In life science, we can now study cells on the molecular level and develop new nano-formulations of pharmaceuticals with new capabilities. From better paint jobs on our cars, to our iPhones, self-cleaning surfaces and lighter, more durable materials, we are surrounded by nano-enabled products and advances.

In my past job, I saw gold atoms dance on the edge of their surface. Those poor guys—trying to find their bonds and equilibrium just don’t get a rest. I’ll stop there.

You are the main point of contact for all media inquiries at the PCF. Do you get a lot of requests? What’s the weirdest request you have ever had?

We and many of our partner researchers serve as leading sources of information on prostate cancer, so we naturally get a good number of media calls on a routine basis. These are generally straight forward.

The oddest requests we get are from concerned patients who do not have access to good information. I once received a letter from a woman whose partner had prostate cancer. She was worried that she might get prostate cancer through oral sex. When it comes to health matters, no question is too weird or off the table. We provided her with a simple and direct answer. No.

Were there any major milestones in 2011?

Please see our just-published Progress Report at www.pcf.org/ourstories for more information on that.

Let’s say I have prostate cancer… what’s next? What are my treatment options?

First, don’t panic. Don’t put any carts before the proverbial horse. Remember early detection and treatment provides a five-year survival rate of nearly 97%. Also key to remember is that there are twenty-seven varieties to deal with. Do your research and become your own advocate so you can make informed decisions with your physicians. No one sized treatment fits all. Discuss your test data with your physicians to determine the perceived aggressiveness and, based on your personal health and age, make the decision that is right for you. Remember, you are also entitled to second opinions. They can often provide valued clarity in the decision-making process.

Also, be sure to take your partner or a trusted family member or friend to your consultations. They can help make sure you have “heard” everything and that all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction. www.pcf.org also provides valuable information for newly diagnosed patients and their families.

It looks like you guys have embraced social media. Do you have a team of people dedicated to those efforts, or is that just delegated to others in the office?

We have a team of two working together on social media. My cancer blog, www.mynewyorkminute.org, is all mine. I never know what I am going to write but I always find inspiration. I tell fellow patients and their caretakers that the content is there for them to pick and choose. The most important function of the blog is to remind all of us that we are not alone on this journey.

Oddly, I started thinking about initiating the blog while my urologist was giving me my diagnosis. Half of me was listening to him. The other voice in my head was saying, “You’re the communicator… you’ve spent the past two years telling men they need to make prostate cancer something to talk about… this is no coincidence… you need to be very public about this…” It felt like a moral imperative.

Two days later, totally unprompted, my wife turned to me and said… you know, being in your position, I believe you need to talk about this… you need to start a blog and talk about your “New York Minute”. There it was—agreement AND a name for the blog. No wonder we’ve been married almost twenty-seven years.

Breast cancer has pink… prostate cancer has blue. Is there any reason behind the colors? (Maybe a girl/boy thing?)

It’s been that way from the start, but I belive that is the thinking…

You have written a few blogs about your journey. I bet that takes a lot of courage to write about what happened.

Courage? Not really, once one gets past the whole macho thing. Passion is what’s required. As I said, it seemed like a moral imperative. My job, for which I long had a passion, now seems like an avocation. I often look back over my shoulder thinking I’ll find the boney finger that brought me back to LA… this position… and this journey.

What is MyBridge4Life?

It is an online forum where patients and caregivers can share their stories and provide support for each other.

Your diagnosis isn’t simple… can you walk me through that? When did you find out? What was that process like going from a healthy young man to having cancer?

I was diagnosed at age 51. I was surprised, but not shocked. Working at PCF, I knew the statistics. I understood that 1 out of 6 American man falls into those stats and and a diagnosis. I like to say my Pachinko ball simply fell into the cancer slot.

How do you stay so positive?

What else can you do? I draw great strength from my loving wife, family and friends and the many inspirational patients I have meet along the way. I’ll be honest—prompted by my reality and hormone treatment, I still have my down moments and can shed my share of tears. It’s important to allow one’s self to do that. You need to let it out. But I know I am not alone. There are many cancer patients who are doing better than me, and there are many who are in worse positions. We need to realize this is life and life has its challenges.

The journey isn’t over… what’s next for you? What does 2012 look like?

I look forward to just two more quarterly injections of Lupron and hopefully seeing the side effects start to wane in the fall. I’m told that it could take up to a full year to feel like my old self again. Just knowing I am close is comforting.

Of course… that means I enter my “wait and see” period. I’ll be giving up my active fight to see if my cancer recurs and if additional ADT treatment will work, or if I will become resistant to it and need to move onto chemo and other treatments. It’s all part of the journey. If I am fortunate, in four years I will hear my oncologist say, “You are cancer-free.”

Dan, this was a long time coming. I am glad that we finally got the chance to sit down and do this. I could ask you questions all day! In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Come on guys, for you and your loved ones, take care of your health. Make prostate cancer something to talk about and, once you reach 40, talk to your physician about your prostate health. Life is good. Don’t waste it!

GRAMMY Award winning producer/DJ Sharam returns with his new single Our Love; released on the world renowned Yoshitoshi Recordings. Nearly two years in the making, Our Love is a fantastic return for a producer known for making pure magic when uniting a storming instrumental dance track with the perfect vocals. The voice of Our Love comes from Iranian-American singer/songwriter Anousheh Khalili who’s best known for her appearance on Deep Dish’s Flashdance and Say Hello, which was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2006 in the Best Dance Recording category. On Our Love, Sharam balances an uplifting piano and throbbing basslines with Anousheh’s gorgeous vocal right over the top. It’s a wonderful send-off to 2011 and a sign of great things to come from Sharam in 2012.

“I’m a firm believer in innovation in music and work hard to try new things and not to repeat myself. That may result in a song taking longer than I’d like to become final, but that’s sometimes what it takes to perfect a song that I believe in so much. So without further ado I’m happy to present Our Love featuring the beautiful and haunting vocals of Anousheh,” Sharam Says

Our Love comes on the heels of Sharam’s first mixed CD compilation in nearly five years – “Sharam Live at Warung Beach Brasil”. Recorded live at Warung, Brazil’s electronic “music temple” this three-hour genre-bending set stands as a testament to Sharam’s dedication to educating while entertaining the masses without any musical limitations. Not only was his head-turning 10-hour set a hit at Warung breaking the club’s all time attendance record, the set also formed the basis of a prestigious Essential Mix in May 2011 on BBC Radio 1, with Pete Tong describing Sharam as being “on devastating form”. “Sharam Live at Warung Beach Brasil” is out now.

Sharam is one of only few dance artists who effortlessly navigates between the nocturnal world of dance music with underground gems like Crazi, Texi and Don’t Say A Word while scoring Top 20 Hits internationally with PATT (Party All The Time), The One featuring Daniel Bedingfield, and She Came Along with Kid Cudi. In 2011 he unleashed his “Mach EP” releases which include M.I.T.T., an underground favorite featuring a powerful vocal hook from Shakira, and Fun a song written by Chris Martin of Coldplay. His latest effort God Always, a dubstep influenced house track was hailed as one of the runaway surprise records from the Miami Music Conference.

Already beyond well known for his role as part of the legendary DJ duo Deep Dish, which brought the world huge hits like Flashdance and Say Hello, he is also the driving force behind the legendary Yoshitoshi record label using it as a vehicle to promote newly discovered talent from around the world. Of course, none of this would matter unless Sharam’s music connected with people which it clearly does year after year in the world’s largest music venues and radio stations around the world, while dance music purists continue to go crazy for his musical choice and mixing technique.

Click here to “like” Sharam on Facebook.

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Click here to watch Sharam on YouTube.

My good friend Mary Baker introduced me to this band. I hadn’t heard the name, and was confused with the name at first. Then I met the band, and it all made sense. I bet you would never guess where the name comes from. I was immediately impressed with their personalities, and how professional they handled themselves both on and off stage. The first time I saw them perform was at the Chatham Tap in Fishers, Indiana and even though the sound wasn’t that great (blame the venue, not the band) I was still pumped to see a performance. I liked them so much I asked them to play on the next rickyleepotts.com presents six bands for six bucks. We are still a few months out from that, and I can already tell you I made a good decision by asking them to be on that show. Anyway, the band is fairly new but is serous about making things happen. They have a ton of talent and before long they will be a household name. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to BellJar.

Let’s start with the name… bells and jars don’t really go together. Is there a meaning behind that? Where did the name come from?

BellJar is actually a Sylvia Plath reference. We had to read it as an English AP project. I don’t know if you know much about her, but it was released under a pseudonym. It talked about struggles and depression that a lot of novelists hadn’t dealt with. Her novel changed the landscape of literature. I hated that novel. I hated reading it. It was very depressing; it was hard for me to stick with.

What I walked away with, years later, was what she accomplished and what she was doing. It was our expression of our struggles and us succeeding and failing… what we have been through. We are just trying to connect with people just like she did with her readers. We want people to relate to that and understand that they are not alone. BellJar just seemed like a fitting title.

Did you need her permission to use that name?

The book is The Bell Jar; they are separate. I just took bell and jar and put them together. From what I have seen, bands have used song titles and sections for years. Godsmack stole Alice in Chains. It wasn’t trying to be infringement.

I haven’t seen you guys live before… really looking forward to it. For those out there who have yet to see a show, what can fans (or potential fans) expect from a live performance?

I think they should expect a lively show with sound that drives people to dance. We have a similar sound in all our songs, but they are all in a different style. It’s very upbeat. It’s not real heavy, but it’s not soft either.

We take a lot of pride picking our setlist. We don’t just pick a song to do it. We like to give it some flavor and not take away from the original writer, but try to give our interpretation of what it means to us. We put our own spin on it. We took Dansik’s song Mother and turned it into a guitar piece with a fiddle behind it. That’s one of the covers that we have done that people have raved about. It makes our originals stand out; we take a lot of pride in what we are putting forth. We want to be playing songs for ourselves, but for the people.

So do you need permission when you cover a song?

You are ASCAP certified as musicians. They cover that. Most places cover that too. Playing out and doing a cover song, you pay forth a certain amount and that gives you the right to use their music. There is protection for the artist.

What is your favorite cover song to play?

Can’t You See is a great jam. It sounds great with the drums and the fiddle. It’s a fun song that a lot of people do know. It’s a great jam song you can progress eight measures easily and not know where time goes.

We also like doing Billie Jean, the Chris Cornell track. It’s a great cover. We love Far Behind too. We like it because it’s old school. It makes me nostalgic and a state of euphoria kicks in. We really do spend a lot of time picking our covers. We figure it out and what we can do with it as the artist. They are fun, but our favorite songs are the originals.

SOPA is a big issue in Washington right now. What are your thoughts on all that? Should we #killSOPA?

Speaking as one who has material out there, I think the idea of the act is valid and good. My concern is having them force it without creating a freedom of speech and a freedom on information. There needs to be a way that we can search for information that we need, yet those of us who have a collection of material are protected.

I think the enforcement will be a problem.

Your name is Brandon Cannon. There is a Benjamin Cannon in Indy too. Are you guys related? (He’s also in a band.)

I do have a brother. My full name is Brandon Benjamin Cannon. BBC! My brother is Nathan. I started Facebook in college. I don’t know what year, but I was in college. Everyone was doing it! I did it the wrong way. I added everyone as a friend… half the people I didn’t know. Most I didn’t talk to. Then I had all these friends, but it never added up to anything. I got to a point where it was easier for me to just delete the FB page and go about my own life. I really didn’t need to.

I was required over a year ago, from a job, to open a FB page. I liked the way the company used FB to market their brand and their name to reach out to a community to make themselves known. I found a new way to use it. It allowed me to stay friends with the friends I do see and do talk to. It provides the ability to promote my music and my band. I wanted to strengthen what seems to be an ever-shifting platform. So my Facebook page is more of a business.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Yes, I do.

I dig your logo… who designed that?

Justin Foxworth. He did our logo, and our shirts. He is doing the album cover too. I can’t speak more highly of him. None of this happens without him and his support. To be a staple in a community, we can’t do it without his talents. He is helping our image and is helping get us out there.

We talked a little bit about Facebook… and I see you are also using Twitter to promote the band. What others ways do you promote BellJar?

Right now, Facebook and Twitter. We are using our friends, family, and other musicians to help spread the word. We are building a website and getting into other areas of networking. They take more time and a lot of effort. I know a lot of bands see a positive thing on MySpace. I don’t think there is anything wrong there, but now there is the ability to put music on Facebook. I would rather build a website more than anything. That’s the goal.

Our focus is our EP due out early in 2012. Our focus is on that, and everything that we have going into that. We could have a nice website and a great FB page… but without a good EP that doesn’t help me push my music and book shows. The strength is putting out a quality album. The best marketing tool is word of mouth… and it’s free.

Are you originally from the Circle City?

He’s from Kokomo. Holly is from Fortville. Hancock County boys… represent!

(Brandon) I’m from Bloomington. My folks went to IU.

Where do you guys practice?

In the pink room. We started practicing in a room that was ALL pink. Now we have evolved. Now we practice downstairs at Keith’s house. A lot of coffee and a lot of good music is what it is. And a lot of laughter. We laugh a lot.

In your opinion, how has the Internet changed the way people absorb music?

In the beginning, it became so much more accessible… all of it was at the tip of your fingers. It’s gotten back to where bands are playing more shows; go see the live atmosphere. Maybe on some level we got tired of being able to download so fast, we forgot the originality of a live show.

(Keith) I think it’s amazing. When you had to buy a CD, you couldn’t just run out and buy a CD from some local band. You can just jump online and check them out. That makes me want to see the bands more than anything. I want to hear them before we see them.

(Holly) I love the ability to connect with people and make more songs accessible. There is something to be said with sharing an experience, and if you can share it with music… it makes it even better.

Your friend Mary Baker first introduced us. From the start I was impressed. How do you know Mary? Is she your biggest fan?

She is most definitely one of our biggest fans. She is an inspiration to some of our songs. I met Mary a few years ago. I was doing some DJ spot at the Fox and Hound, and her and her friends go to the one on 82^nd street all the time. We became good friends, and I ended up hanging out with her group of friends. We became close, had similar tastes, and inspirations. We felt like we both looked through a similar set of glasses.

There are a lot of bands out there. Who are you listening to these days? What is your favorite genre of music?

(Brandon) Wow… I grew up listening to the band Cream… Neil Young and today I find myself unable to put down a Ray Lamontagne. I am impressed with bands like 30 Seconds To Mars and Chevelle… they impress me with every album. I just really enjoy music that I can relate to, no matter the style.

(Keith) I don’t know who any of those bands are. Literally… I know one. But I think that’s what plays into our sound. I have Sevendust in my car.

(Holly) Bruce Cobern, Marty Jones, Joni Mitchell… I love 80’s alternative and 80’s pop. How can you not? I love Megadeth… Aretha Franklin. My spectrum is very broad as far as music goes.

What’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Birdy’s Bar & Grill… 300+. We opened for Parabelle. The majority of the crowd was our first big outing as a band.

The smallest?

Locals Only… we did a pickup gig. I feel so bad but this band had a show at Locals Only. It was 9 hours before the show and we went and did it anyway. We had our immediate family there to support us. There were no more than 20 people there, if that. It was a fun night, nonetheless. It was a good stage experience. We got a chance to work on our set!

Who writes all of the lyrics?

We share that responsibility. I came in with a few songs; stuff I had been working on. It was the original concept I was working on. Now that I have the musicians to work with, we had three or four of mine. Keith added a few of his. We pretty much write our songs together now. Holly, when she comes to our practice, she adds as well. She helps us stand out. We are really trying to reach our full potential.

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

Holly has played on stage more than me. But at Locals Only, my guitar didn’t work. I left my tuner on. That was pretty embarrassing. I plugged in, and wasn’t getting sound. They setup a microphone for me to play into. It was pretty embarrassing.

I bet you are a beer guy. What’s your favorite beer?

Smithwicks. But I’m actually a scotch man. Glenlivet 18 years is my favorite scotch. I can afford the 10-year Laphroaig, but the nicer stuff I can’t afford. The 18 is about as high as I can go.

You went to IU? I went to Purdue. Can we still be friends?

No.

Well… it’s a New Year. What does 2012 have in store for you?

We have our EP coming out. We are finishing up with the recordings, and early next year we are going to release it. We have a few shows already booked. We are doing the USO event on April 18^th downtown. We have some shows down in Bloomington… and we can’t forget about six4six. It’s going to be a big year for us. I see us playing out a lot, and playing to a bigger fan base with that EP.

When it’s all said and done, what do you want to be remembered for? What’s the legacy of BellJar?

That’s a good question. We have come so far… I want to know that the day we walk away that we connected with someone. We want to make a difference, and that everything we put into these lyrics… these lyrics, these shows… that it was built into something bigger for someone else. That’s what it should be about on any level.

What’s a typical Friday night look like for you?

Holly, what do you do on Friday night?

(Holly) May through October I am usually playing music. Right now is a slow season.

(Keith) Putting my kids to bed. Drinking. That’s what I do.

(Brandon) I like to spend my Friday nights with friends and family. Whether dinner or game night, even having a couple of cocktails I want to surround myself with the people that I love. They are the reason I am here today and the weekend is a good time for that.

I feel like I could ask you questions all day long. Thank you so much for doing this. I should stop… you have a show to play! In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

My mom told me something years ago that has stuck with me, and I think the best way that I can live my life. We are here for one reason. It is to be loved and to love. This band is founded on that. Our music is inspired by it… and it’s definitely what we would like to leave behind. We want everyone to know that they were loved, and that’s the most important thing.

Click here to “like” BellJar on Facebook.

Click here to follow BellJar on Twitter.

I had the chance to see A-Trak a couple of years ago at Electric Zoo. I actually wasn’t familiar with his work until I saw him perform, and quickly became a big fan. As a matter of fact, I was hanging out in the media tent and had a good conversation with him… before I even knew it was him! I would later see the hat… his iconic black hat. Anyway, this video features his set at Madison Square Garden with Swedish House Mafia and Jacques Lu Cont. (I am actually not familiar with Jacques Lu Cont. Maybe I should give him a listen.) This was actually the first DJ show at this legendary venue. Can you believe that? Electronic dance music is so big… why hasn’t Armin or Guetta played there? Oh well, maybe this is a sign of things to come. I hope! Anyway, the video showcases some of his set and I must say… I am sad I wasn’t there to see, to dance to that.

Let’s dance people.

Click here to “like” on Facebook.

Click here to follow A-Trak on Twitter.

Click here to watch A-Trak on YouTube.

Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub just opened up here in Fishers, Indiana. The idea is simple… coffee, beer, food, and supporting the local community. This place has a solid foundation, and money isn’t their incentive. I have heard the general manager say, “We aren’t in this to make money.” Of course making money would be nice… but they have bigger goals here. To prove that, they are donating 10 cents from every drink to charity. That adds up fast, so drink up! I just find it so unique that a place would open, and start off by donating so much to charity. I will soon be sitting down with the general manager, and we will discuss more about that when the time is right.

The general manager is Devin Rose. I first met Devin a few weeks ago (we actually talked on the phone first) and will be writing a series of blogs about the place. I will be talking about the food, the drinks, and more. First off, I wanted to talk about the menu. As I said, in future blogs I will look at their impressive beer list, their wine list, coffee drinks, and more. I am impressed with this place after having only been here a few times. I told Devin that Hearthstone would soon become my new hangout… and I am already scheduling meetings there!

Breakfast

Not sure the hours here… it’s not on the menu. But they do offer a pretty good breakfast menu. I guess it makes sense that a place offering your morning cup of coffee would offer a decent selection in the morning.

Muffins – $2.49
Banana Nut, Blueberry Streusel, Cherry Cheese, Double Chocolate-Chip, or Lemon Poppy Seed.

Breakfast Ciabatta Sandwich – $2.99
Maple Sausage, Egg, and Cheddar or Bacon, Egg and Cheddar or Egg White with Spinach, Tomato and Swiss.

Scones – $2.49
Cinnamon or Blueberry.

Yogurt Parfait – $2.99
Vanilla Yogurt, Berries, and Granola.

Bagels – $2.49
Plain, Everything, Blueberry, or Cinnamon-Raisin.

Oatmeal – $2.49
Add your choice of Butter, Brown Sugar, Dried Cranberries, Pecans, Walnuts, or Granola.

Coffee Cake (Indy Desserts) – $2.49
Lemon Cranberry or Sour Cream

Fruit Cup – $1.99
Seasonal.

Kids Fare – $2.49
Cereal and Milk, Fruit Cup, Peanut Butter and Jelly (or honey), or Mac & Cheese (Includes Entrée + Milk or Juice + Apple Slices or Applesauce + Teddy Grahams.)

As you can see, there are a lot of items on the breakfast menu. You can’t help but compare a coffee house to Starbucks… but their prices are a lot lower than Starbucks. Let’s take a look at the lunch menu.

Lunch

Pick 2 – $6.99
Select two of the following: cup of soup, ½ a salad, or ½ a sandwich.

Garden Salad – $4.99
Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Sliced Peppers, Cheddar Cheese, and Croutons.

Cranberry Walnut Salad – $6.99
Grilled Chicken Breast on Mixed Greens Topped with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese Crumbles.

Smoked Turkey Club Salad – $6.99
Smoked Turkey Breast on Leaf Lettuce with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Tomatoes, and Croutons.

Grilled Chicken Salad – $6.99
Grilled Chicken on Leaf Lettuce, with Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Mild Pepper Rings, Fresh Parmesan Cheese, and Croutons.

Soup (changes daily)

• Cup (8 ounces) – $2.99
• Bowl (12 ounces) – $4.99

Caprese Salad Sandwich – $4.99
Garden Fresh Lettuce, Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette on a Ciabatta. Comes with a side of kettle chips and a dill pickle spear.

Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwich – $6.99
Chicken Salad, Lettuce, Tomato, on Cranberry Walnut Bread. Comes with a side of kettle chips and a dill pickle spear.

Smoked Turkey Club Sandwich – $6.99
Smokey Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Lettuce, and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce on Whole Wheat. Comes with kettle chips and a dill pickle spear.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich – $6.99
Grilled Chicken Breast with Lettuce, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, and Chipotle Honey Mayonnaise on Ciabatta. Comes with a side of kettle chips and a dill pickle spear.

Salad dressings include Ranch, Honey Mustard, Pear Gorgonzola, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Mango Chardonnay, or Tomato Bacon.

The lunch menu is pretty impressive. Nothing on the menu is over $7 and most come with a side of kettle chips and a pickle spear. The Pick 2 reminds me of Panera Bread… but cheaper! Moving on to the dinner menu… They don’t have a dinner menu here at Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub, but they do offer some filling appetizers. I have tried a few of them and this place just opened! Let’s take a closer look at their list of appetizers.

Appetizers

Cellerman’s Plate – $12.99 / Half Order $7.99
Toscana Salami, Prosciutto, Aged Irish Cheddar, Marinated Olives, Bourbon Beer Cheese, Tart Apples, Garlic Sourdough, and Flatbread Crackers.

Blue Cheese & Honey – $6.99
A Wedge of Maytag Blue Cheese drizzled with Sweet Clover Honey topped with Pecans served with Flatbread Crackers.

Sweet Habanera Salsa & Chips – $6.99
A Generous Portion of our very own Sweet Habanera Salsa served with Whole Grain Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

Fruit & Cheese Plate – $12.99 / Half Order $7.99
Fresh Sliced Apples, Grapes, and Strawberries with “Heavenly Fluff” Fruit Dip and Aged Irish Cheddar served with Flatbread Crackers and Garlic Sourdough Bread.

Veggie & Cheese Plate – $10.99 / Half Order $6.99
Sliced Peppers, Asparagus, Baby Carrots, Aged Irish Cheddar, Veggie Dip, Marinated Olives, Bourbon Beer Cheese, and Flatbread Crackers.

Bourbon Beer Cheese – $6.99
A Hearthstone Classic Spread made with Aged White Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, People’s Amber Ale and Bourbon. Served with Flatbread Crackers.

Hummus & Pita Chips – $6.99
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Served with Baked Pita Bread. Add a side of fresh veggies $1.99.

The Cellerman’s Plate rocks. It reminds me of a dish I have had at Bella Vita once. The only thing that would make this dish better is a side of asparagus. Nothing beats wrapping fresh prosciutto around a stick of asparagus. The bourbon beer cheese is pretty good too. Oh, and the “fluff” fruit dip rocks! The apps will be a nice touch when they have tastings… like wine and martini tastings. They will be doing those every month.

You can’t have a coffee shop and not have a list of desserts to choose from. Starbucks has cake pops… but Hearthstone has brownies, cakes, and cookies. Let’s take a closer look at their dessert menu.

Desserts

Brownies – $1.99
Brownie and Blondie flavors are available.

Cake – $3.99
Choose from Carrot Cake, German Chocolate Cake, or Amaretto Cheese.

Premium Desserts – $4.99
Choose from Tiramisu, Lemon Sunshine, Chocolate Decadence, Strawberry Surprise, or Mascarpone.

Coffee Cake – $2.49
Choose from Lemon Cranberry or Sour Cream.

Cupcakes (Provided by Flying Cupcakes) – $3.49
3 Flavors available daily.

Cookies (Provided by Flying Cupcake) – $2.49 / Half $1.49
3 Flavors available daily.

Last week, I had the chance to try a few of these desserts. First up was the coffee cake. It was a little dry, but that’s what makes coffee cake so good. It really does taste better with a cup of coffee. The crust is my favorite part. I also tried one of the cupcakes and the tiramisu. I must say, it was the weirdest looking tiramisu I have ever seen… but it was incredible. It was cold, which I usually don’t care for. But the way this one was presented made all the difference. Any one of these would go good with the South American. Imagine this… coffee, chocolate, and Patron XO. Oh man… it’s amazing! It’s the best coffee drink I have ever had. Not sure of the calorie count, but it’s incredible.

If you are hungry, and looking for a new place to hang out on Indy’s north side, stop by Hearthstone Coffee & Pub. They have an impressive beer list, some incredible coffee flavors, and a nice atmosphere. I have a feeling I will be spending a ton of time here.

Have you been to Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub? What is your favorite thing on the menu?

Click here to “like” Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub on Facebook.

Click here to follow Hearthstone Coffee House & Pub on Twitter.

It was @BCakaTheMan that introduced me to this artist. And I am glad he did. This guy has some serious talent and is starting to make waves for a big 2012. He lives in the Windy City… let’s hope he is a Cubs fan. @BCakaTheMan is the host of The Air Attack, and one day we were chatting on Twitter about his show… and that is when the name Beadz Jones came up. He has worked with him in the past, and thought he would make for a good interview. Well… he was right. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the hardest working rap artist in the Midwest.

So we met on Facebook… I actually wasn’t familiar with your work until then. Now I am seeing you all over the place. Let’s start with your name. Is your real name Beadz Jones? And why a “Z” and not an “S”?

Beadz Jones isn’t my birth name, it’s actually Derrick Jones. The name Beadz came to be from me having braids with beads on them. I wore braids and beads for over eight years and whenever I rapped or performed I performed with a lot of energy and all people would see was my braids and beads going everywhere. So in high school some of the girls thought it was cute and would come up to me in the hallway and asked me to shake my beads… the name stuck from there. I use the “Z” instead of the “S” because it looks cooler to me. (Laughs.)

What’s it like working for Manatee Records?

It’s great being a part of Manatee Records. I’m the lead artists on the label and I also have an executive position with them. I play a major role on helping make decisions in what direction the label takes. Some of the artists on the label deal with marketing and promotions.

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Chicago. I was born on the south side of Chicago, and I spent my peak years in Harvey/Riverdale, Illinois which is like ten minutes from the city of Chicago.

I see you are a Sox fan. Why not the Cubs?

I started off a Cubs fan when I was young, but when I got to the age to really understand I was from the south side I became a Sox fan because they’re on the south side. I’m a fan of all Chicago teams though.

You have produced a ton of work. How is a mix tape different than an EP or a full-length album?

Well the main difference between a mix tape and an actual album is the fact that on a mix tape there are no rules. What I mean by that is on a mix tape you can take/use other artists beats and samples without permission… basically because mix tapes are mainly for promotional use only. On most mix tapes, artists get DJs to mix and blend records together. In most cases there is no particular structure. When an artist works on an album, they trying to find your lead records that will catch the consumer or your fan base; they’ll look forward to your project. Also on an album an artist will work with producer and different artists to build the body of work which means there more business involved in legal ramifications.

You say you are “one of the realist in it”… but what is “it”?

When I say I’m “one of the realist in it”, I’m saying I’m one of the realist in this industry. The things I rap about are things I have personally experienced or have seen those close by me experienced. I don’t go far out of things that I don’t know. If I’m not sure about something, I don’t rap about it. I do over exaggerate, or talk about things that’s out of my tax bracket. I don’t rap about Maybachs cause I never been in one… I don’t rap about the stars, the moon or the galaxies because I’ve never been. I feel I have been successful to this point because I kept it real thus far.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

Yes, I write all my own lyrics. I write everything and do most of the singing as well.

They dubbed you the “Face of Chicago”. You were featured in an issue of Hip Hop Weekly. What sort of exposure does something like that get you?

It’s been a blessing to appear in Hip Hop Weekly Magazine and the other magazines I’ve been featured in. A magazine as big as HHW puts you in the presence of the top hip hop artists in the music industry. It helps build the awareness for independent artists such as myself.

Do you play a lot of live shows up there in the Windy City?

Yes, I have performed in majority of all the top hip hop venues in Chicago. I also travel a lot and perform in different states as well.

What are you listening to these days… what’s on your iPod?

I predominately listen to hip hop & R&B,. As far as mainstream artist go, I still listen to older music like Jay Z, Tupac, DMX & Biggie. I do listen to artists like Lil Wayne and Drake and any other artist who’s successful… because I have to take in consideration what they are doing to be in the position they’re in. I also listen to a lot of underground Chicago music.

How did you get connected with Raw Product Music?

Raw Product Music was a group that I started when I was younger. Now we go by Dowg Mobb Ent or Team DME.

Do you have a job outside of music?

No, I don’t have a job outside of music. I’ve been fortunate enough to maintain off of music, paid shows and features.

Wait a second… and you were featured in an issue of The Source. Lil Wayne was on the cover of that one. Man, you are killing it up there.

Yeah, I was featured in The Source, Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, Ozone Magazine, Hood Mag, SIR Mag, Ford Mag and a few more. It’s like a snowball effect once the people pick up on you and you stay consistent… one thing leads to another.

Is the scene you are in competitive, or do you guys share ideas and shows?

It’s both; it’s very competitive on the Chicago music scene at the same time it’s certain artists share ideas, plans and strategy.

Tell me a little bit more about “A.W.N”.

“A.W.N” is the name of one of my CDs. It stands for “America’s Worse Nightmare”, meaning “I’m a Nightmare to America” in  various way. I’m a nightmare with my music and intelligence. I’m not the average rap artist. I feel I’m in the process to make an impact in the music industry how a Jay Z or a 50 Cent did. They both were successful making music and business moves.

I see you are also a Bulls fan. As a matter of fact, you wrote the official Derrick Rose theme song. How does an opportunity like that even present itself?

Some opportunities you have to create and that’s exactly what I did with the D Rose them song. I made the song because I felt he deserved a song. I did the song out of RESPECT for what he recreated for Chicago basketball and the song just took off and the people made it successful and created the awareness of the song.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?.

My mom and my son are my biggest inspirations. Life itself inspires me to make the music I make though.

You are all over Twitter. In your opinion, how has the internet and social media changed the way people absorb music?

The Internet and social sites make it easier for an artist to reach more people without spending a lot of money. I can be in NY and still handle business in MN with the web and social media. I’m able to keep my fans in tune with me easier by a click of a button.

You’re over 21… what’s your favorite drink of choice?

Awww man… I’m Remy VSOP is my #1 choice. I also like Hennesy, Grey Goose and Rose. Those my favorites.

What would you be doing if you were not recording?

If I wasn’t a recording artist I would’ve perused the career to be an on air radio personality on an urban station.

Some people call it rap… others hip-hop. What do you call it? Is there a difference between the two?

Some artists are rappers and some are hip hop artists. Hip hop to me is the culture and rap is just part of the culture. Hip hop has substance; it’s just not words over a beat. A good hip hop artists you’ll feel like you know them and the music is everlasting. Rappers are trendy and are only here for the moment.

What’s a typical Friday night look like for you?

It really depends but Fridays are busy… sometimes I’m traveling performing or making appearance in a club.

I remember listening to rap a lot growing up. I always liked the poetic side of the lyrics. But the whole “east coast / west coast” thing got in the way. Why can’t everyone just be friends? You are stuck in the middle here living in the Midwest.

I think it just depend on the type of people and the type of egos they have what causes rap “beef”. Egos tend to run high in the rap world and rap is oriented from the streets so the combination can potentially cause problems. Some rap “beef” is fun and entertaining because battling is part of the culture. The problem comes when people take it too far.

When you sit down to write a new track, what is that process like?

When I make a song the process is like talking to a woman I would like to hook up with… some are easier than others. (Laughs.) I ride with the beat and listen to it and I talked back to it. If me and that beat is meant to be, a good song come out.

Tell me about your relationship with Emily Grimes.

Emily is a photographer out Chicago. She made her name by doing a lot of photos at the underground hip hop spots. I took a liking to her work and I hired her to do photo shoots for me and the artists involved with my company. I recently had her take photos of the behind the scenes of  my video Everything Cold featuring my artist D Greazy.

How was your Christmas?. Get everything on your wish list?

I just wished for a strong end to 2011. I got two videos in the editing process and I’m shot another video for another one of my songs on December 27. I just want to end 2011 strong, and get a good jump on the new year.

From what I can tell, you had a pretty good 2011. What’s next for you… what do you have in store for 2012?

In the first quarter of 2012 music fans should see me appear in at least three more major magazines. I start my promo tour top of the year as well. Also there will be more videos to come and another CD.

In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

I would like to thank you for taking time to interview me! I would like to thank BC the Man for linking us up. Also would like the readers to follow me on Twitter. Mad love to everybody who supports independent artists no matter what genre. Be on the look out for Manatee Records / Dowg Mobb Ent and Breezy Diamond Dolls!

Click here to friend Beadz Jones on Facebook.

Click here follow Beadz Jones on Twitter.

The amount of talent in the city of Indianapolis amazes me. Every time I turn around I discover a new band that I never knew about… and that I can’t get enough of. This band lives right down the road from me in Noblesville, Indiana. Their lyrics are incredible, the vocals are amazing, and the sound is very “jam band” friendly. There is a difference from a jam band that just gets together to play for their friends… and a band that has potential to make it. These guys have all the potential in the world. The sky is the limit for these dudes. I love the name too. They really have the whole package. My good friend Eric Roesch introduced me to them. I’m glad he did. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Tax Brandywine. (I told you they had an awesome band name!)

The name… I love the name. Where in the world did that name come from?

I hate paying taxes, but I love drinking a good brandywine.

Thank you very much Ricky! One cold, rainy January day in 2007 I was visiting Chicago, Illinois with my old band mate to visit his cousin who was interning to be a surgeon. We went to hang out at the hospital while he was there, but we weren’t allowed to be inside any of the operating rooms, so we were stuck wandering around this hospital. It was a crazy, long, boring day! But while we were occupying an empty hospital room, we started to discuss new band names. We were under fire for our last name which was repealed by the US government copyright office for being too similar to another name. Anyway, I wanted to create a name that sounded professional and organic at the same time. I remember looking outside the hospital window looking at the bay and I put together those words and I thought, “I really like that, it reminds me of a mafioso name.” I always remembered that name, and decided to make it my alias and band name a few years later.

You guys have a great logo. Who designed that?

Thank yo! My girlfriend Kaley designed it.  She has a great eye and is talented in the graphic design process. We were going for a natural look that was bold.

Where are you guys originally from?

We all graduated from Noblesville High School, but our families migrated to Indy from different parts of the country in our lifetimes. All of my family is from the northern California area, and that is where I was born (Roseville, California).  Johnny C was born in Indianapolis, but has moved to Ohio and New York before moving back. Laus was born in Berlin, Germany where his mother and father lived at the time. (His father still lives in Hamburg, DE) They moved to Illinois and Zionsville, Indiana with his mother before settling in Noblesville.

You guys call your sound “last wave”. Can you tell me a little bit more about what that means?

Yes… this name actually started as a spoof and then it stuck! The joke started off of an original song that I wrote called Last Wave of Warmth back in senior year of high school. This was the first song that changed my style of song writing from pop/blues/hard rock, to a more pop-rock/reggae/folk style. We used to joke that this style was the last “new wave sound” before the ultimately inevitable end of the world and Mayan calender in 2012. It was Last Wave Rock, then just “Last Wave”; it stuck, and that is what we are trying to do… be the godfathers of the last new wave movement until the Earth blows up 2012. Get ready.

You recently had a show at the ES Jungle in Broad Ripple. Do you like that room? It’s REALLY small. Of course, it is all ages.

You really do not play the ES Jungle because of the room… The organization that puts on the shows is called Piradical Productions, and they have been really great to us. Especially Stephen Zumbrun. He believes in us and puts us in front of a great crowd. The ES Jungle is in a great location in Broad Ripple, but because it’s in a church and the audience cannot technically leave and come back in from smoking or to get fresh air even. I think that really turns people off from that venue. But, they have a new venue that we are going to be playing at on December 16th in Indianapolis (Fountain Square) called the Hoosier Dome. Check it out!!

Loving the blog. You are using WordPress for that. What made you start using that content management system over another?

I’m glad you like it. We are going to continue to use that format for news updates, but it is a means to an end for the official website. It’s too hard for the public to navigate through and doesn’t offer enough media outlets. We started using it for the purpose that we could update it easily and wouldn’t need a web designer. But, we have found a new outlet that lets us do everything we want and more, and it is designed for the use of a band. It’s called bandzoogle.com and ours is going to drop soon… so get excited!

The band is also on Facebook and Twitter. Who manages all of these social media efforts?

(Pierce) I do. I like connecting with the fans, and also being the voice and face of the band. Twitter especially allows you to create your own world where people can follow feel connected to you. The music is not enough these days!

The whole rock/reggae sound seems to be pretty popular these days. Do you find there is a lot of competition in that scene?

I really don’t. It has been almost rare to be hooked up with any of these types of bands because they tend to be “really reggae” and not quite as diverse. I have yet to find too many bands with this, but I expect that to change!  Then of course you have Bruno Mars doing pop-reggae and Sublime With Rome making their comeback but nothing that is new or “last wave” about it.

Really digging the lyrics for Monday the 13^th. Who writes all of the lyrics for the band?

Thanks man; I wrote those lyrics. I write the majority of the lyrics for the band, unless Laus sings, then he usually writes them. He wrote the lyrics for Marilyn, which is an example of me singing his words but they are usually mine.

When you guys practice, do you stay focused or just jam? I could see you guys just getting in there and jamming for hours on end!

(Laughs.) That’s interesting… but when we practice we are very focused. We will jam sometimes to get warmed up, but usually we are perfecting our songs!

You have a new EP coming out. What are your expectations with the new release?

Yes, we are very excited. This is going to be a 5 song EP that are all older and more poppy types of songs all lead singing by myself. Some of these tracks were re-recorded from our 215 sessions in Nashville that were never finished, so we thought we would get these out there and move on to recording our newer material for the next project. I expect this will be an interesting turning point in the band, and where our music is headed. We will get much more press from this EP than our last album, “Atrocities on the Highway”, which had a more of an indie sound. But overall I know people will want to get the new stuff!

During your first tour, your tour van was stolen. Please tell me you caught the guy… did you get that gear back?

One of the saddest moments in my life was walking around the corner of the hotel parking lot and doing the “double-triple” take of “where the hell is the van?” We never caught the guy, even though he was on camera. “The Buckeye” was found broken and mostly empty by the Atlanta police a few days later. This was a total catastrophe to get access to the van again because it was held in a city junkyard, and I had to sign the dotted line to see what was left inside. Therefore, I had to pay $500 plus gas to and from Nashville and Atlanta twice. The good news is that the guy left all of our “Atrocities” albums intact and there were clothes left inside. Whew!

Tell me a little bit more about the production of “Atrocities on the Highway”.

“Atrocities” was SO much fun to make. We were living together in a house in Nashville for over a year and this was the pinnacle of our accomplishments together for that time period. We were working everyday with engineer/producer/musician Grant (DatHobo) Husselman who is attending Belmont University there. Grant is also from Zionsville, Indiana and grew up with Laus, so the connection was made. Everything that you hear on the album was recorded in the main room in that house. We started by recording about 20 songs, and they eventually faded into a cohesive (in our minds) 12. It was mastered at my father’s home studio. All of the artwork, besides the logo, is also from Grant.

Do you get the chance to play outside of the Circle City very much?

Absolutely. We make it a point to travel as much as we possibly can. We play Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Chicago, Bloomington, Muncie, and Louisville as much as possible.

Do you have jobs outside of music?

Laus and me are currently unemployed. We have jumped through countless part-time work since moving back in June. We are looking for work! Johnny C is working at Guitar Center in Castleton. He’s part-time at the moment.

Where does your inspiration come from? Not just with music… but with life.

God is a huge inspiration in my life. We are all very politically inclined, and stay as informed as much as possible on news and events around the world. We are also huge sports nuts! My team is the San Francisco Giants, Johnny’s is the Cleveland Indians… and Laus likes the Indianapolis Colts! I also draw inspiration from my dogs, including our band mascot Tosh! Over-sized vehicles and trains also inspire me.

Since you are in similar to that genre, does that mean you go to a lot of jam ban shows? There seems to be a ton of them in the area lately.

I do attend the occasional jam band show. Johnny C attends more than I do, and Laus isn’t 21 yet so he doens’t attend hardly any shows! I’ve seen Max Allen, the Twin Cats, and others that come through like Papadosio and Shaggy Wonda. I would definitely not consider us a jam band, but more a “pop rock band”.

What would you be doing if you were not performing?

I would love to be producing other musical acts in the studio. I would also like to be a hemp farmer someday.

You were invited to record at Studio 215 by Randy Peterson down in Nashville. Tell me a little bit more about that experience.

Sure, we were invited by Randy who was a co-worker of Johnny C’s at Guitar Center to come and make a demo for free in this studio he was interning for. He needed some experience behind the desk he was about to be working on full-time.  We narrowed about 8 songs, and got about 2 solid sessions in, but it was very difficult for Randy to find the time to have me come in and finish the final tracks. So it inevitably was tossed to the side and tried to pursue the songs again, and this is what “Welcome Home” is. Randy Peterson was great to work with, he was very patient and was a rad dude. I would love to work with him again!

I have not seen you guys perform yet, but what can someone expect from a live show?

You can expect to see some people skanking (ska dancing), some hippies, some rockers, some moms and dads, and lots of little girls too! You might also see little green men from all the hype. There will always be the die hard Tax Collectors (Tax Brandywine fans) that will be wearing our hand-made tie-dye and spray painted shirts. The best shows are the ones where everyone is going nuts of course, so you might expect some screaming and wailing and an overall awesome time.

What’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Our biggest crowds have been around 200+ people for Tax Brandywine. I have played an event before with my high school band that played to about 600 people, but I have yet to do it again with Tax. It will definitely come with time though.

You guys have some pretty cool concert posters. Who designs those?

The all talented Grant “DatHobo” Husselman designs all of our posters. He has a certain wonk about him that is undeniable, and we like his touch on our media. Here is a peak to some of his music that also inspires us. It’s so filthy its ridiculous.

Let’s look to the future for a second… where are you guys in five years?

(Laughs.)  Okay… we are in a sweet tour bus touring around the entire country with a decent opener constantly making albums and touring! I would also be taking tours in Canada and Europe. I definitely want to be a worldwide band. I’m not sure if we will be signed by then… I’m not sure we will need to be. I’m letting it roll and build.

It’s almost Christmas… what’s on your Christmas list?

Merry Christmas to you Ricky, and all the Tax Collectors reading this. The only thing I am asking for are gift certificates to Guitar Center because I want to pile them into getting a Zoom R-16 recorder. Check it. It has 8 simultaneous XLR imputs for recording and you can use it as an interface on the computer. Gear jargon… oh well, i’s awesome and affordable. The only other things I asked for is anything San Francisco Giants and I’ll be happy.

Jam bands tend to play longer sets. What’s a typical set time for you guys?

If we are hosting our own show, we typically will play two hours. We will play an hour or 45 minute set most other times. We don’t have lots of time to jam if we don’t play at least two sets!

Tell me about your relationship with Thorny Tree Productions.

Thorny Tree Productions is the limited liability company that I own and created for myself and all of the entertainment groups that I am head of so that I can file taxes and protect my bands rights and whatnot. Right now Tax Brandywine is the only project that I am managing under my company, but I expect to add more once I get Tax Brandywine more established.

There are only 3 of you… Ever think of adding more members?

That’s a good question. We love playing as a three piece, but I am not opposed to adding another member someday. They would need to be an all around musician playing keys, slide guitar, singing, and more! But we are not pursuing anyone as of right now.

In your opinion, how has the Internet changes the way people absorb music?

Well luckily, we never had to rely on physical albums being sold because we started selling music in the midst of this revolution. But it has definitely changed the industry in the sense that now we (the independent artist) are in control of selling music from our own online store.  It has empowered the artist to grab fans from emails and networking trough sites like Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation and others to be a part of their own online world. It is very interesting and we will all be riding the waves of the technology revolution! I think that it will also spark a revival in vinyl records as well for the real “music enthusiasts”.

Speaking of the Internet, are you guys using Spotify? I noticed that your tunes weren’t on there yet.

We are not on Spotify yet… or even iTunes. We are going to get all of the arrangements ready to go by the end of the year to get our music on these major sites. I recently found Spotify and it’s incredible. We are no longer required to store our own music on our devices anymore. It’s awesome, and I hope people pay for the physical version of music again soon now that they don’t have to illegally download music anymore.

When this is all said and done, and Tax Brandywine is no more… what do you want to be remembered for? What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I want to have a great brand developed with great songs to back it up. That includes making great records that will outlast my body, and a presence while I’m here that will spark peoples attention all around the globe.

Thank you guy so much. I could ask you questions all day! In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

Thanks Ricky for the awesome questions man; this was a lot of fun to participate on your blog! Please check out our new EP available for download December 31 titled “Welcome Home”. Also check out our website for the latest updates and I hope all of you have a great and safe holiday season! Goodnight and keep it wonky.

Pierce Duncan – @taxbrandywine

Johnny C – @johnnylongboddi

Laus – @laushatman

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