February 2016 - CV WorldWide Magazine

FEBRUARY 2016 THE MAGAZINE FOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS AND CUSTOM LIFESTYLES
ALWAYS FREEFEB-
In today's ever advancing technological society, few things
hold peoples interest for too long. Fortunately, great hard rock
music has withstood the test of time. Take a heaping teaspoon
of originality, sprinkled with an unrivaled live performance,
and we give you “AS YOU WERE!” With a smooth blend of classic, modern, metal, and groove, topped off with the occasional
ballad AS YOU WERE creates a surefire hit with a style all their
own. Don't be fooled by their young faces. Individually, As You
Were are music professionals who take the utmost pride in
their craft. While spanning several years of individual hard
work, with a relentless team effort that strives only for perfection.
P. 10
Contents...
David Bowie Memorial:
3
2016 She Rocks Awards:
NAMM 2016
6
NAMM JAM 2016 Review:
20
Music Industry Hits High Notes at The 2016 NAMM Show:
23
Jamie Paullus
Jamie Paullus continues to
WOW our readers with the BEST
Spokane has to offer - this month:
music greats SAVING ABEL.
Page 28
Order In The Chaos:
Differences in Perspective
HAIR TRIGGER: a Comic from Anthony Hitaffer
CV WorldWide Magazine
Locally Owned / Nationally Known
26
32
Sherry Keith
Mystic Photography continues her up close and personal
view into the music scene with
NAMMJAM 2016...
Page 18
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DAVID BOWIE 1/8/1947 — 1/10/2016
The world mourns the loss of a legend.
Davie Bowie
Oddity Personified
If anyone in the history of music ever mastered the art of catching and keeping people's attention, It
was without question the refreshingly unpredictable David Bowie. One of the ever present perils of
the music business, is the fickle nature of it's fan base. Whatever is the hottest selling trend today
could be totally forgotten by next week. David Bowie avoided this pitfall of the music business with a
brilliance rarely seen. While some acts fall by the wayside due to changing tastes and others fall into
the career suicide of conforming to whatever the current trend is , Bowie would reinvent his persona
and his music in completely unforeseeable ways. This not only kept him relevant, but also held peoples attention for well over 40 years.
Sometimes the word “genius” is too commonly thrown around and associated with people who
likely haven't quite earned a title of that distinction. However, David Bowie displayed such brilliance
in so many different areas, that's it's difficult to not declare him a genius and without any reservation.
Most commonly thought of as a singer, Bowie was also an extremely gifted musician on multiple instruments, a talented painter, performance artist, actor of both film and live theater as well as television and since the mid seventies has successfully acted as his own business manager. Not an easy accomplishment by any stretch in a business as brutal as the entertainment industry.
Talent and success aside, it's often the case that those things can be overshadowed in some instances by how well or how poorly one lives their life. Early in life, David Bowie had many stumbles
after several failed romances and severe drug addiction. It still can be said though that most would not
have come out as well as Bowie did. Especially considering that almost every highlight in his early career was simultaneously marred by some awful tragedy like the untimely death of his father. Despite
all that, Bowie went on to beat drug addiction, save his own career from financial ruin and go on to be
a dedicated father and a dear friend to many with a enduring charm and sense of humor sometimes
rarely seen in entertainment.
David Bowie not only taught us how to live life, but how to gracefully see it to it's end. On January tenth 2016, Bowie passed away after battling cancer. Many friends including some who considered themselves very close to the brilliant entertainer, had no idea he was even ill. He left us with a
final music video but more surprisingly, a heartwarming photo-shoot of a man that looks just as alive
as he was in the days of Ziggy Stardust.
David Bowie was one of my heroes. His early days of Shock/Glam Rock, opened doors for not
only my own humble music career, but others that came shortly after Bowie like Kiss, T Rex, The
New York Dolls, Sweet and more. From Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, The Thin White Duke or The
Goblin King, David Bowie could be and was different things to many different people. An ever evolving master of his own destiny, he found the right way to do things all the way to the end. Although his
passing has saddened millions, he found a way to make it easier for us to look at all he left us and be
joyful. Indeed to look at his final photos of him gleefully smiling as if to rejoice in a life well done, It's
hard to not smile back and simply say “Thank you David.”
Timm Tantrum
2016 She Rocks Awards Honor Women in Music During NAMM Show
Awards featured performances by guitarists Nita Strauss and Jennifer Batten; chart-topping pop
duo Karmin; Raining Jane; The Command Sisters; and more.
From left (top row): Rock Sugah guitarist, Kat Dyson; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Karmin singer, Amy
Heidemann; guitarist, Malina Moye; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and guitarist, Jennifer Batten; 2016 She Rocks
Awards winner and Seymour Duncan co-founder/CEO, Cathy Carter Duncan; She Rocks Awards Founder and CoHost, Laura B. Whitmore; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Director of Brand Communications at Taylor Guitars,
Chalise Zolezzi; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and NAMM Director of Public Affairs/NAMM Foundation Executive Director, Mary Luehrsen; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound, Leslie Ann Jones; 2016 She Rocks Awards winner and Senior Vice President of Public Relations for
Universal Music Enterprises, Sujata Murthy; Rock Sugah singer, Kudisan Kai; 2016 She Rocks Awards Winner and
President/Co-Founder of Gator Cases, Crystal Morris; Rock Sugah drummer, Benita Lewis; 2016 She Rocks Awards
winner and Fanny's House of Music Co-Owner, Leigh Maples; keyboardist, Jenna Paone; Charlotte and Sarah Command of The Command Sisters; (bottom row) Rock Sugah keyboardist, Lynette Williams; 2016 She Rocks Awards
winner and Tom Tom Magazine Founder, Mindy Abovitz; Rock Sugah bassist, Divinity Roxx; 2016 She Rocks
Awards winner and legendary singer, Chaka Khan; 2016 She Rocks Awards Co-Host and guitarist, Nita Strauss; and
2016 She Rocks Awards winners and Rock N' Roll Camp for Girls Founder, Mona Tavakoli and Becky Gebhardt; attend the She Rocks Awards during NAMM at the Anaheim Hilton on January 22, 2016 in Anaheim, California.
(Photo by Kevin Graft)
January 28, 2016, Anaheim, Calif. — A who's
who of music industry execs, celebrities, luminaries and supporters of women in music gathered on
Fri., Jan. 22 in the Anaheim Hilton hotel’s Pacific
Ballroom to celebrate the 2016 She Rocks
Awards, an event paying tribute to women who
display leadership and stand out within the music
industry.
The She Rocks Awards were held by parent organization the Women's International Music Network (the WiMN), and were co-hosted by WiMN
Founder Laura B. Whitmore and guitarist Nita
Strauss.
Honorees included Jennifer Batten, Chaka Khan,
Amy Heidemann, Becky Gebhardt and Mona
Tavakoli (Rock Camp for Girls L.A. and Raining
Jane), Chalise Zolezzi (Taylor Guitars), Mary
Luehrsen (NAMM), Crystal Morris (Gator Cases), Mindy Abovitz (Tom Tom Magazine), Cathy
Carter Duncan (Seymour Duncan), Leigh Maples
and Pamela Cole (Fanny’s House of Music),
Leslie Ann Jones (Skywalker Sound), Sujata
Murthy (Universal Music), and surprise honoree
Tom Gilbert, the Creative and Marketing Manager for Mad Sun Marketing and co-producer of the
She Rocks Awards.
"Wow!! What an evening of special moments. I
am blown away by the amazing support from the
industry and from NAMM. I know this evening
was inspirational for many people in the industry,
and am so proud of my team for helping create
this very special event," said Laura B. Whitmore,
founder of the Women's International Music Network and co-host for the evening.
The event featured electrifying performances by
singer-songwriter, Jenna Paone; guitarists Nita
Strauss, Malina Moye, and Jennifer Batten; Jason Mraz touring band, Raining Jane; pop sensations, Karmin; The Command Sisters; and the
incredible house band Rock Sugah featuring Divinity Roxx on bass, Kudison Kai on vocals,
Kat Dyson on guitar, Benita Lewis on drums
and Lynette Williams on keys.
Highlights of the event include a stellar performance by Karmin of songs from their upcoming
release, Leo Rising; killer guitar acts by Jennifer
Batten, Nita Strauss and Malina Moye (a 2014
She Rocks Award winner); a rousing speech by
percussionist Mona Tavakoli of Raining Jane
and the Rock N' Roll Camp for Girls of L.A.;
and a grand finale closing performance by The
Command Sisters, Jennifer Batten, Nita Strauss
and Rock Sugah as they joined together in a tribute to Chaka Khan ending with power anthem,
"I'm Every Woman," that got the crowd of 700
attendees on their feet and dancing.
The 2016 She Rocks Awards were sponsored by
Martin Guitar, Seymour Duncan, Roland, Boss,
Gretsch, Avid, Taylor Guitars, Zildjian, Guitar
Center, D'Addario, Fishman, Berklee College of
Music, Tech 21, PRS Guitars, 108 Rock Star
Guitars, Korg USA, Volume & Tone, Casio,
Ear Trumpet Labs, Merch Cat, John Page Classic Guitars, West Coast Pedalboards, and Recording King, with additional support from
these media partners: Tom Tom Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, Music-News.com, Guitar
World, Guitar Player, Keyboard, Bass Player,
Electronic Musician, Music Inc., Making Music,
International Musician, Premier Guitar,
LAWIM, Rock N Roll Industries, and more.
For more information, visit: www.thewimn.com
About The Women’s International Music Network (The WiMN)
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International
Music Network unites women who work within
all facets of the music and audio industries.
With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking, education and
sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces events such as the Women's Mu-
sic Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases,
and the She Rocks Awards. The organization
hosts panels, workshops and education sessions
and is founded by music industry veteran Laura
B. Whitmore. For more information, visit
www.thewimn.com.
<CV> Let's start off with introducing the band
and their roles
<A.J> Jeff Zazueta- Lead Vocals
Steven Snider- Lead Guitar
Benji Zamora- Rhythm Guitar
AJ Horton- Drums
<CV> I understand you all are from California, is
that correct?
<AJ> Yes we are!
<CV> Tell us how you came up with the name
for the band?
AJ: I began playing drums at the age of 8 when I
walked into a pawn shop with my dad and saw a
shiny blue drum set. I sat down and started playing and was instantly hooked; not to say that I
was any good yet ha ha. I’ve been playing in
bands for about 10 years now. I play around
with guitar, although I don't really know what
I’m doing. But I do write some of As You
Were’s songs just by messing around on guitar,
bringing it to Steven, and letting him turn it into
something playable. I am also a Graphic Designer, and I design all of our album art, merch,
band logo, and mostly run our social media.
<AJ> We used to be called Relic. After a few
band member changes, our style evolved into the
Hard Rock sound we have today. We kind of realized that the name wasn’t very fitting anymore.
There was also the issue that no one could find us
on the internet because there way too many
bands, movies, video games, etc. with the name
Relic. So one day our guitarist Steven was driving Steven started out as a drummer in punk bands,
home from work and called AJ, our drummer, and eventually began playing guitar when he
and said he had thought of the name “As You moved into an apartment was no longer allowed
Were.” His explanation was that we are still the to play drums. He actually started out as our
same band as we were before, just with a new rhythm guitarist when we were just starting colname. So from the perspective of our audience, lege, and he is now a full fledged lead guitarist.
they could say “You’re still the same band As
Benji used to play guitar in a band called “Sex
You Were.”
Tape Scandal.” In 2015, Jeff ran into him at
NAMM and they began discussing how each oth<CV> So give me a little background on each er’s bands were doing. At the time we were looking for a new rhythm guitarist, and Benji just hapmember
pened to be wanting to leave his current band. So
after a few auditions, he became our new rhythm
guitarist. He’s probably the most random person I
have ever met. Jeff will more than likely tell you
about himself, in long detail haha…
<CV> What brought you all together and how
did you know this was a perfect fit?
<AJ> I am actually the last original member from
the band Relic (where we started out). Steven and
I have been friends since 5th grade. We were both
playing in bands all through high school, but never with each other. Until right at the end of our
senior year both our bands played a battle of the
bands together (neither of us won). Afterward
both of our bands went to Red Robin together. I
then asked him if he wanted to come play in our
band. He showed up for a practice that next Saturday, and the rest is history.
Jeff actually found us through the Penny Saver.
Our bassist at the time had placed an ad in the
Penny Saver for a new lead singer. Jeff was the
first person to respond to the ad. He came to the
audition, late, because his car had broken down.
The poor guy was pretty nervous, but since we
were just kids and he was a little older than us and
had been in big bands before, I have no idea what
made him so nervous. Anyway, after singing
about half of the first song Steven and I looked at
each other and just smiled. We knew we had
found the singer we had always wanted.
Like I said in the previous question, Benji joined
the band after he and Jeff ran into each other at
NAMM in 2015. We knew he was the guy we
wanted after hearing some songs from his old
band, which he had written. His style was very
reminiscent of Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For
My Valentine, which fit perfectly with us. He and
Steven have very similar writing styles.
<CV> What got each of you into music and at
what age did you know this is what you wanted to
do?
started playing drums when I was 8 years when
I walked into that pawn shop with my dad.
<CV> Who would you consider your biggest
music influences and why?
<AJ> That's always a really tough question to
answer for me. I don't really have one style of
band or music that influences me. I grew up
listening to Garth Brooks, then became a huge
Hanson fan (no shame!), then I dove into hard
rock and pop punk with Creed, P.O.D., and
MxPx. These days I listen to anything from
Slipknot, As I Lay Dying, and Bullet For My
Valentine, to Justin Bieber and Adele.
<CV> Tell us about your very first show together, how did it go and how were you received?
<AJ> I’ll go with the first show that Jeff, Steven, and I played together. It was a Mirror Image Studios in Anaheim, California. All of our
friends who had been coming to shows for
years with our old singer were very eager to
hear our new vocalist. I believe we had
crammed about 17 or 18 songs down Jeffs
throat in a short period of about 2 months.
Needless to say he held his own, and all our
friends loved him.
<CV> You have an album called "The Calm
<AJ> I had grown up loving music, and dreaming
Before..." give us some insight on that, how
of being on stage. I’m not really sure what drew
was it received?
me to it, as no one else in my family plays music.
But there was just something about it that made <AJ> All of our fans and friends were so stoked
me feel right, and to this day it still drives me. I once we put that album out. It was the first
“heavy” thing we had done as a band. It was the
defining sound of what were to become. The title
was to sort of insinuate that this album was only
the beginning for us, and it was only going to get
crazier and better for us.
<CV> I understand you guys have a new album
in the works, anything you would like to share
about that?
<AJ> This next EP has been a long time coming.
The title is “Revisions”, which comes from the
history of this band over the last few years. The
songs we will be releasing on this EP have been
written, re-written, tweaked, trashed, and brought
back to life by different members that have come
and gone from this band. The idea I had behind
naming the album “Revisions” is that you can always start over. You can always begin again and
make something better than it ever was in the first
place if you push hard enough to make it happen.
This band for me has been through so many revisions, and I haven't given up yet. These songs are
some of our heaviest, yet some of our most catchy
and melodic. I am so proud of what we have created and can’t wait to release it. Be on the look out
for the release in the next few months.
It’s amazing to have something you’ve all created
together come to life.
<CV> What is the motivation behind the songs
your write? Do any of them speak to you on a
personal level and if so why?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> All the songs I write have a
very personal meaning to me whether it be spiritual or something I'm upset with or happy with.
Or even seeing things through other people's eyes,
heartbreaks or triumphs they all have a very personal touch to me. I'm a very passionate man and
I'm no different in my song writing or the emo<CV> Give us some insight on the song and mu- tions that spill into my words or voice.
sic writing process; is it a joined effort or does one <AJ> Any songs I have written are general pretperson do all the writing?
ty personal. I write a lot of my personal experi<AJ> It is very much a joined effort. Most of the ences, while trying to make them relatable to othtime one of us will start an idea for a song on our er people when they listen back. Everyone has exown at home and then bring it to practice. Then perienced something, and its an amazing feeling
we all start just playing it together and the song when someone tells you that a song you’ve writcomes to life right there in the moment. We will ten has helped them or spoken to them. I tend to
start and stop as many times as it takes if someone write a lot about love and heartbreak, whereas
has a new idea to try for a certain part of the song. Jeff writes a lot about the struggles of life, or ways
Then of course of the course of rehearsing the to give people hope.
songs, and then recording them in pre-production <CV> Tell us about the music industry today and
a lot changes and that's where the real production where you think "As You Were" fits in?
is added.
<JEFF ZAZUETA> I think the industry today is
the toughest industry to break into. The days of
<CV> Tell us about the recording process, any- record companies, selling millions of records and
living that dream are virtually non existent. To
thing you like or dislike?
add to that we are a rock band and rock is on life
<AJ> Recording is one of my absolute favorite support and for the life of me I can't understand
things about being in a band. I love the creation that. But as far as Rick is concerned I think we
process. I love hearing back the ideas you’ve had have as good a chance to do something very spein your head for so long. It’s amazing to have
cial with what we have. When the resurgence
comes (and I do believe it's coming) we have all
the edge, groove, melodies hooks and live show to
be right in the thick of it all.
<AJ> The music industry is a really strange place
to be these days. There is no “making it” just by
being noticed like it used to be. You have to do
everything yourself if you want anything to happen. You cant expect things to come to you. The
sad thing is, a lot of bands expect that if they just
play really well and play some shows that they’ll
be big rock stars. But that's just not the reality these
days.
<CV> What are your thoughts on the use and necessity of Social Media?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> It's exactly that.... a necessity. But unfortunately it's become so over saturated
and things like FB which used to be a great outlet
for bands to promote have become more of a
handcuff. Pay me and I'll let your fans see your
posts. Really?! I'm waiting for something new and
fresh and exciting to revolutionize social media
without all the handcuffs and give me money all
you struggling artists out there so I can add it to
my mountain of gold.
<AJ> I am a strong believer in the effectiveness of
social media for bands. From a local band stand
point, everything is online. Your social media presence is what keeps you connected to your fans,
and it’s how they hear about your shows, releases,
etc.
<CV> How do you feel about music download
sales, would you prefer a return to CD's and Vinyl?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> The days of CD's and vinyl
were the best days of music. Clearly downloads
have their benefits too but music is pretty much
FREE everywhere. So no one respects it anymore.
You used to buy an album and you'd covet it for
months. Learning about your favorite musicians,
read their lyrics and thank you's, stare at their pictures and dream of the day you could be like them
or meet them. It's rarely like that anymore. People
respect what they have to purchase. So as a musician I'm definitely pro cd and vinyl.
<AJ> While its more convenient for people to be
able to download any songs they want, it has
definitely killed the music industry and sales of
music for bands these days. I wish everything
was till just CD’s. No online anything. People
would actually buy your music and give a
damn about the bands they listen to.
<CV> You recently played the NAMM After
Party show at H.O.B. Tell us about that show.
<JEFF ZAZUETA> We had so much fun!!
Hundreds came out to see us perform and we
got to meet with our fans afterward and meet
some new and awesome people. And it was all
right after NAMM so we just indulged in all
things music that weekend and shows like that
are like Christmas morning for any band.
<AJ> That show was just a blast! We are
friends with a few of the bands that were on the
bill: Star Off Machine, and 7 Days Away. It
was really cool to be a part of a big party show
like that right after something as huge as
NAMM.
<CV> Tell us about some of the other shows
you have played so far, do you have a favorite
place to play and why?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> We have been so blessed!! I
mean blessed!! We have been able to play venues
like Citizens Bank Arena and other really amazing places with some amazing bands. Places I only thought I'd dream of performing at. So to pick
a favorite place would be tough but I will say the
House Of Blues (Downtown Disney) where you
saw us perform holds a very special place in our
hearts. We feel like that venue was where it all
really started for us. Kinda like Motley Crue at
the whiskey. Although I'm definitely not trying to
draw a comparison. They're legends. But I'm
simply using it as a reference for understanding
the amazing memories and fun shows we've had
their. House Of Blues has kinda been our home.
<AJ> We’ve played a ton of venues over the
years. I would say House Of Blues Anaheim is
one of my favorite places we’ve gotten to play.
We’ve probably played here more than any other
place. It’s one of those venues I grew up seeing all
my favorite bands play. So to be able to play on
that same stage is quite an honor.
<CV> Any funny stories to tell from tour life?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> The funniest out of town
show story was taking our guitar players RV up to
the Ventura area and later that night this insane
giant moth like beetle was flying around. It was
HUGE!!! and I still don't know what possessed
me to do this but I trapped it in a red solo cup and
put it in our bass players hair. (I know bad karma
and I was a jerk) and it took him a solid 2-3
minutes to discover this monster nesting on his
head but you can imagine the reaction when he
finally did discover it. No need to type said
words. But just use the imagination on this one.
We all laughed like crazy though. (most of us anyway)
<CV> What can fans expect to see at a "As You
Were" show?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> nothing short of good songs
with good hooks. Edgy and easy to sing to, but
most importantly a high energy show. You are
gonna want to move, sing, jump or bang your
head even if your that one cool guy with his arms
folded trying to be super cool, your still gonna be
tapping your feet even if you don't realize it and I
may just call you out on stage if I see you trying
to not have fun. Lol!
AJ: Jeff spitting water all over you, Steven’s hair
twirling all over the stage, Benji making lots of
faces, and me throwing a stick at you! So watch
out!
<CV> To Date, is there any one show that is
memorable for you and stands out and why?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> Hands down our second
show at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario. It was a
big show that was put in by the radio station
X103.9 (R.I.P.) and we were fortunate to be able
to perform in front of 8,000 plus people and with
some amazing bands like Penny wise, The Dirty
Heads, Everlast, Alien Any Farm and Authority
Zero. We broadcasted live on 103.9, signed a
million autographs, ate some amazing food and
the crowd was absolutely electric as they sang
along. Never have I ever wanted to stop musical
time as I did in that moment.
<AJ> My all time favorite show was when we
got to open X 103.9’s Merry Meltdown at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. Playing an arena is every bands dream come true.
We opened for Dirty Heads, Pennywise, Alien
Ant Farm, Authority Zero, and Everlast.
<CV> Where do you think you are in the journey of "As You Were"
<JEFF ZAZUETA> I think we're just scratching
the surface. Everything we do gets better from
songs to performances. Being in a band with
some of the members as long as we have we
know each other so well now that the song writing process and performances are only enhanced
each time. So with a lot of prayer, a lot of hard
work and a lot of diligence I think we are just
scratching the surface of what's to come for us.
<AJ> In the trenches, pushing really hard to
make the next thing happen.
<CV> What do you like to do in your down time?
Who do you like to listen to?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> Down time? Ha ha!! You
got jokes!! LOL Literally I never have down time.
I go to bed late and wake up early. Work to do,
kids and band life is never done. But when I can
sneak in some me time, I love video games before
I go to bed. And as for people I listen to I'm dominantly a rock guy for sure but my tastes vary from
Pantera to Michael Jackson to Bullet For My Valentine to The Temptations to Disco, Funk to Pink and supported everything I did until my mom
passed. But my father continued his relentless
to Motley Crue and everything in between.
support even after my mom passed. You'll see
<AJ> I love bingeing TV shows on Netflix ha- him at every show. He should be our mascot.
ha…Breaking Bad, Dexter, True Detective, that Lol. I have the two most supportive and loving
kinda stuff. I mostly listen to heavy music, but I parents God could have ever blessed me with. As
love all kinds of music. Honestly, I’m listening to for my son Brayden he knows all the words to my
the new Justin Bieber album is I'm answering songs and has even performed With me on stage
these questions ha ha
before. He wants me to play my songs over and
<CV> Are your families supportive of your ca- over until even I'm sick of them. Lol. He loves
reer? Jeff, I know your dad is very supportive and everything I do and to me that's as big a blessing
proud; it is because of him we met at NAMM as I could ask for in this business. I get to be the
which was very cool! I also understand from your idol of the greatest fan on the planet..... My son.
announcement at the H.O.B. show in Anaheim And yeah he decided to kinda follow the roots of
that you have a son who at the time of your show his daddy and take a shot at the entertainment
was in Chicago doing a modeling shoot for Sears? business. He's blessed with uncanny talent for actTell us a little about that, we all could see how ing and modeling and so Sears saw some of his
photos and work and they flew him out to Chicaproud you were of him!
go the day of our show to do a full photo shoot
<JEFF ZAZUETA> Being a singer in a band has
for them. I got word backstage that his plane had
always created some form of turmoil in relationjust landed so on our last song I decided to pull
ships and it takes a certain kind of woman to be
out my phone and FaceTime him and have the
able to be understanding. It's not your common
hundreds in attendance tell him congratulations.
element in life so a relationship will either eventuIt was a very surreal and exciting moment for
ally sink or swim after they're introduced to it.
both of us and I couldn't be a more proud father.
But as for my family, some close family and
friends have seen me do this for so long they really <AJ> My family has always been supportive of
don't have as much invested as they may have me in this band, and they come to nearly every
used to. It's a little disheartening for me, but I'm show!
sure there's a lot of artists like myself who deal <CV> What advice would you give a band just
with that on a common basis. It's all exciting at starting out?
first but I'm sure after over a decade plus, people
can get a little desensitized to your situation even <JEFF ZAZUETA> ALOT!!! But briefly I'll say
if it's family and friends. However I can honestly lock yourselves in with like minded and dedicated
say my biggest fans are my father and my son. My musicians. If they don't have the same wants don't
dad has never ceased to support me since I started force it. Move onto those who do. Then practice,
in this he and my mom were at every single show work, practice, work, practice, work and when
your done doing that...... Start WORKING!
Cause it's your only chance.
<AJ> Practice. Use a damn metronome! And
don't forget to use earplugs. I’m deaf. Haha
<CV> What is your favorite thing about being on
stage? What motivates you to do what you do?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> oh so much to say here but
again I'll keep it brief. But my passion, my stress,
my freedom, my heart and all the fruits of my labor come out on stage so the release and excitement are my drug. Commanding a crowd and the
challenge of turning strangers from I'm just here to
see a band into oh my god I saw the best band last
night are all thrills for me. I get to express my self
in so many ways. I'm simply alive on stage. I'm
home!
<AJ> I love the adrenaline you get on stage. Not
only are a bunch of people there to see you perform, but you're doing what you love to do the
most. Hearing people scream your bands name, or
sing along to your songs is such an unreal feeling!
The love of music and what it does not only for
me personally, but for those listening is what motivates me to do what I do.
<CV> What does "As You Were" have planned
for the rest of 2016? Any tours or projects in the
works?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> We are locking in some
shows currently and weighing out some options
but our biggest goal is to get our second release
and music video out. Once we do that we can
plan everything else from there. But the music video concept and our EP is done. Now it's promoting it and releasing it the right way.
<AJ> Right now we’re planning our EP release
show, along with shooting a music video for our
single “I Hear You Now”
<CV> What would you like to say to your fans
and our readers?
<JEFF ZAZUETA> Again I say I'm blessed! We
(As You Were) are blessed and we couldn't do
what we do, we couldn't play the shows we play
or be inspired in certain ways, or get to share in so
many stories and meet so many wonderful people
if it wasn't for you! All who support us ..
From the bottom of my heart and everyone
in the band we love you so much and appreciate you so much more than I think you'll
ever know. So thank you!! And God bless!!
And to you Sherry! I'm so grateful I met you.
Your a wonderful gem I found in that sea of
people! So thank you for all you do, all your
support and all your hard work. You
ROCK!!!!
<AJ> Thank you for caring about what we
do. Thank you for listening, coming to
shows, singing along, buying merch, sharing
our songs and videos online. Thank you,
thank you, thank you!
2016 NAMM Jam produced by Delve Texas was
set again at The Grove in
Anaheim California. This
was a highly anticipated
show with John 5 the guitar
legend from Rob Zombie.
This year’s NAMM Jam
had a silent auction with all
proceeds going to the
House of Blues Music
Foundation. Sponsored by
Band Gear and Graphics,
Musicians Institute, Guitar
Grip, Guitar World, Minarik Guitars, Riva, Revolver,
Blackstar Amplification,
Coffin Case, and House of
Blues Music Forward
Foundation. Danny B with
Clem Burke drummer of
Blondie opened the spectacular show showcasing the
phenomenal guitar skills
comparable to the guitar
picking legend Chet Atkins.
They played mostly instrumental songs but did throw
in a twist with David Vincent from Morbid Angel
and Jerry Lee Lewis’s niece
Anne Marie Lewis with a
'Whole Lotta of Shaking
Going on'.
LA Gunns played an exciting set with Phil on
vocals, Michael on bass,
Kenny guitar and Steve
on drums. They played a
great set and probably
were the only normalcy
of the evening.
Beasto Blanco from Los
Angeles CA with none
other than Calico Cooper,
daughter of rock and rolls
theatrical mastermind Alice
Cooper and Chuck Garric
on vocals and guitar. Chris
Latham guitar, Jan
LeGrow bass, and Tim
Husung on drums, not only
does this band have the
complete in your face rock
but the intense theatrics.
The played about 10 songs
with the most beautiful one
being 'Feed My Frankenstein' with the brilliant Alice Cooper coming out and
singing with his daughter
Calico. The performance
was well done and a high-
light of the evening.Jonny Coffin of Coffin Cases
put on his fashion show displaying several girls
rocking the various rock looks. Jonny’s fashion
show is always an excitement for NAMM Jam.
John 5 was the perfect nding for the entire evening
of theatrical entertainment. Playing over an hour
of mostly instrumental songs with quite the array
of guitars from a green lava lamp looking one to
one extremely well lit guitar with white LED
lights. A few of the highlights were the Adams
Family theme song and the electric banjo. Josh
Todd from Buckcherry came out to sing cover
'Killing in the Name of' by Rage Against the Machine and 'Crazy Bitch' with Keith Nelson on guitar as well. To end the show John 5 did a little
montage of Van Halen, Metallica, Judas Priest,
Iron Maiden, Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne.
This was yet another great AMM Jam by Delve
Texas.
Review by Kathleen Clarkson
Photos by Jamie Paullus
Music Industry Hits High Notes at The 2016 NAMM Show
The music industry returns home to businesses
worldwide with innovative ideas and products
that will bring the power of music to the masses.
Held January 21-24, NAMM welcomed a record
number of exhibitors and registrants to Anaheim,
CA. Hundreds of new-to-NAMM companies
paired with an increase in global interest, and
those quintessential “only at NAMM” moments
made for what many NAMM members called the
most exciting NAMM Show in the association’s
115-year history.
in a record 101,736 NAMM Show registrants.
This is a 2% increase over last year’s recordsetting event.
For buyers worldwide, NAMM is the ultimate
music store. “We’re shopping our established
vendors – like Yamaha – buying combo, band &
orchestra and looking for what is new,” said Steve Ceo, general manager, C. A. House Music in
Ohio. “I like to see people, build relationships,
and meet face-to-face with the heads of brands –
it makes a difference. Sure, our reps will come to
“As we look at the record number of exhibiting see us, but here we are able to see the excitement
brands, influx of new entrepreneurial spirit and of the industry, see what everyone is doing and
attendance from 125 countries, the industry how it comes together – it is amazing!”
seems poised for vital growth and break- This year according to longtime NAMM Show
throughs,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe exhibitors, buyers arrived ready to buy, many
Lamond. “The NAMM Show is a reflection of writing orders at the show. “We’ve been
our industry, not only where it is now, but even swamped! We expanded our booth to have more
more importantly where it is heading next. room and it filled up right away with customNAMM members brought their A-game to Ana- ers…like it is supposed to (with a smile),” said
heim this week with creative, innovative, beauti- Greg Deering, president and co-founder, Deering
ful products. They also came with inquisitive Banjos. “Mostly we are seeing retail store owners
minds, filling NAMM's educational sessions all and they are writing a lot of orders. Our sales this
four days."
show are up over average, our numbers are really
As the scope of music making expands, so do the good.”
number of brands that depend on the NAMM
Show platform to unveil new products. This
year’s show was the largest and most inclusive
event in the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) 115-year history. A record
1,726 exhibiting companies representing more
than 6,000 brands brought the entrepreneurial
spirit to life. The energy was palatable, with a 7%
increase in exhibiting companies over 2015’s
event.
“We’re almost in a bubble focused on designing
and developing products all year. But we set
deadlines and goals around NAMM. NAMM is
the platform, the only platform really, our flagship event to launch products,” said Brian Ball,
president, Ernie Ball Inc.
A mix of NAMM member buyers and retail employees, exhibitors, media, artists, NAMM members’ invited guests, NAMM’s Generation Next
(college music students) and Music Education
Day participants (school music teachers) resulted
What’s New?
competitive advantage. Coming to the NAMM
Show also means having the choice of the best
quality of products. It's not all about the money
though this is also about making and keeping
friends. It's like a big school reunion.”
The number of new companies relying on the
NAMM show platform grew again, representing
409 of the total exhibiting companies. In addition
to the new-to-NAMM names, 174 companies reExhibitors noted the international feel. "Half of
turned after a lapse of a year or more.
The busy 2016 show provided many emerging the buyers we've been seeing are international,
brands with the ideal launch pad to meet new from places like Germany, Sweden, Israel...it's
partners. “This is my first show and we’re really definitely a worldwide event,” Paul Vercellotti,
enthusiastic. It’s our first time to be able to make a Avid. “And this event is a whole lot of fun. It's the
good impression on buyers face-to-face. Many excitement and passion that gives this show a difpeople have stopped by our booth in hall E. This ferent vibe versus other trade shows."
morning (Thursday) I’ve already talked to five
quality distributors who were extremely interested
in our product,” said Renaud Sauzedde, Wild
Custom Guitars, France.
Trend Spotting
and new suppliers. It's very important for our relationships with existing suppliers that we come,
and good for us to see new suppliers who come
here, to keep expanding our business,” said Uche
Ezeani, owner, De-Saints View International Co.
Ltd., a distributor and retailer from Nigeria. “And
since we sell to both other retailers and to end
consumers it is vital to have access to the latest
products first hand. I think we are regarded to be
one of the best shops in Nigeria and it gives us a
The percussion world held a steady beat with
buying interest meeting star power for many
brands. The biggest drummers of our time including Questlove, Josh Dun, Tré Cool, Stewart
Copeland, Carmine Appice, Josh Devine and
many more stopped by the show.
While retailers and distributors come to NAMM
to make purchase decisions, the show is also the
place to see the big picture of where the industry is
One distributor explained how attending NAMM heading, and spot potential growth areas for the
fuels her business year-round. “Over the years the year ahead.
market has changed along with how we do busi- A trend in analog synthesizers made a major
ness. Coming here we can observe and keep up statement this year with a bustling neighborhood
with those changes. We also find new brands to of small modular synthesizer brands and more esrepresent, of course. And we can ask our peers tablished companies making it a focus. "The bigwho might already represent these new brands for gest thing is the analog synthesizer,” Mike Adthe experience in their markets, helping us to as- ams, president, Moog Music. "We're all seeing the
sess whether we can be successful with them too,” change in the market, the analog synthesizer is a
said Lynette McCullough, Keynote Music Sales, big thing."
Ireland. “The timing is also so vital - it's the beginning of a new year, we get inspiration, fresh ideas, The growth story for fretted instruments continued in 2015, with electric starting to catch up to
and renewed vitality for the year ahead.”
its acoustic brethren’s hot growth. "We're adding
Increases in International
lots of new electric strings - electric guitars are
The NAMM Show’s global stature grew with starting to make a comeback,” Jeff Sefton, presi15,915 international registrants traveling to Ana- dent, Butler Music in Missouri. And the balance
heim from abroad, a 20% increase over 2015. At- between analog and digital continues with greater
tendees came from every corner of the globe rep- variety in both. Sefton added, "We're integrating
more analog-we tailor more to the entry/midresenting 125 different countries.
“Instead of going to various other shows we can level player, and they tend to want more low-end
see all the new products in one place, meeting old digital and some analogue pedals.”
With demos on every corner and big crowds, the
DJ and pro audio software market appeared vibrant throughout. "I'm looking for new DJ controllers, headphones, speakers...this is the main
show for us audio buyers,” said Kyle Kjensrud, They play a very important role and we can’t do
Audio Category Buyer, Full Compass Systems.
what we do without them. I know that and am
very grateful for that.”
NAMM Show Moments
Then there are those moments, moments that only happen at a NAMM Show, when you look
over and a legendary artist is demoing an instrument right next to you. With hundreds of major
stars attending the show to support their brand
partners, there were more of those moments this
year than ever before.
Where other than NAMM does the day start with
ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, Annie Clark
a.k.a. St. Vincent, and Graham Nash on the same
stage, as it did on NAMM’s morning NAMM U
Breakfast of Champions. Legendary musician and
songwriter Graham Nash shared personal anecdotes from his more than 50 years in music with a
crowd of 1,522 industry leaders. “Graham Nash
was breathing the spirit of NAMM and importance of music education, the importance
keeping music in schools fresh,” said Anthony
Cutietta, San Diego Music Studios.
“Weird Al” Yankovic hopped on stage for the inaugural NAMM Foundation Grand Rally for
Music Education sharing honest insights and
some laughs about his creative process with college students and educators. Evening award
events including the 31st annual NAMM TEC
Awards featuring Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Don Was,
and Nathan East to the She Rocks Awards featuring Jennifer Batten, Amy Heidemann of Karmin
and Chaka Khan added to the star-studded trade
show’s allure.
The NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage sparkled
under a nearly full moon starting off with an intimate performance by Graham Nash. Dr. John &
The Nite Trippers headlined the NAMM Foundation Celebration of Music Education in association with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
Imagine Party on Friday. Saturday capped off
with a sing-along set of classic rock hits by The
Legends.
After the session, Nash headed out to a bustling
NAMM Show, saying that his life’s work couldn’t
happen without the businesses at NAMM, “I’m
constantly drawn to the fact that these people are
an incredible link in the communication chain.
Next Up
Summer NAMM returns to Nashville’s beautiful
Music City Center on June 23-25. Global growth
opportunities abound at NAMM Musikmesse
Russia, September 15-18 and ProLight + Sound
NAMM Russia, September 15-17. The NAMM
Show returns to Anaheim, January 19–22, 2017.
Then in 2018, the global music product industry
will return to Anaheim with room to grow into
the new, modern wing of the Anaheim Convention Center that is currently under construction.
NAMM NEWS
Order in the Chaos
Differences in Perspective
The Big Rock Stars don’t think like you do…
Have you ever thought about that? How about
this, have you ever sat in on a meeting with your
peers, and you think to yourself, “What the hell
am I doing here? Where do these freaking people
come from? They think and talk on a level way
beyond my understanding and comprehension!
This is STUPID!”
I did, once in an office setting. And it got me ostracized from future meetings because I voiced it
out loud; and, to the President of the company, no
less. Of course, I’ve also felt that way after a few
late nights in the studio consuming copious
amounts of Cold Saké, but that’s another story,
for another time.
My point is this, when you feel outside of your
element, it is entirely natural. It doesn’t make you
“less” than them, and it doesn’t make your voice
any less heard. That is, unless what it is you have
to say cannot be understood. Let’s face it, you
shouldn’t get frustrated and act stupid when those
in the room do not understand you, you need to
try to learn how to speak to them in their own language. Don’t expect all of them to change their
education and experience to accommodate your
ignorance.
Just like, when you are in the studio, and the singer says to you that he wants a “little more sprinkle
in the cans.” Now, I know EXACTLY what that
means, but if I had never heard that phrase before,
I would not have the foggiest of what that guy
meant.
So, put yourself behind that board… you are
tracking this band you have looked up to for
years and they are gods to you… would you
have had any idea what that guy meant by that
statement? Or -- and be honest -- would you
have looked at him with a stupid expression on
your mug until he yelled into the microphone,
“GIVE ME SOME F-CKING REVERB”?
OUCH!
So, what does this have ANYTHING to do with
how Pro Musicians think that is so different than
the way I do?
Simple, they think and operate their band on a
level you simply cannot comprehend. They do
not run their band like they play the local dive
every other Wednesday night. They do not
schedule practices and not show up (not if they
want to stay employed), they do not cancel a gig
because their girlfriend needed the car. But, you
say those things are normal in life. You’re right,
but without the same priorities, those things will
prevent you from going further with your band
by focusing on them. Instead of focusing on
those things outside of your control, focus on
what you CAN control. And if that is making
killer music… DO IT. But you have to understand that ultimate success and staying-power in
the music industry comes from a different pattern of thinking than yours.
Theirs is the Business Owner’s type of thinking.
The Entrepreneur’s way of thinking. They realize that if they don’t go into the studio and record the next track, they don’t get paid. If they
don’t get out there and tour, they go hungry. It’s
a JOB. And they KNOW it. You don’t. And
that is why you will never be a part of that higher echelon of musician. You will never be accepted into the group of guys you have looked
up to for years by your own merits if you cannot
communicate with them on THEIR level.
Get it?
As a parallel, not everyone can be a Business
Owner. Not everyone can be a huge NFL star,
or a Hotel Magnate, or a Financial Whiz… only
those WIRED to be those things will succeed at
them. Just like Music. It cannot be forced, and
while it CAN be learned, it cannot bring about
success if YOU are not thinking the right way.
Dreaming will only get you so far. And dabbling
won’t take you even HALF that distance. The
pro’s know it is all in, or all out.
else I had never heard of at the time, I had noticed that they had been spinning the guy’s CD
on the overhead the whole time we were there
and there was this section where the guitar had a
particular sound to it. And I immediately pegged
that there had to be at least three guitars on the
phrase. So, I asked him how he got that sound.
Forty-five minutes later, we shook hands and he
thanked me for the pleasant conversation.
The next time he came into town, I went to see
I will share a brief story to explain how I came to him. Having educated myself on his musical catthis realization.
alog and solo work, I figured I would try and do
I was a young aspiring guitarist in my late teens a better job of communicating with him out of
when I visited a local music store with a friend. respect for HIM, not for any other reason than
Not knowing there would be a celebrity guitarist that. Again, we spoke extensively, but upon partthere that day. We noticed there was an excep- ing, I asked him why he was so willing to give
tional amount of cars in the lot, but figured there me so much of his time, and not the others trying
must be some sort of sale going on. We went in, to get close to us. He said, “Because you talk to
and noticed this line wrapping around the inside me how I expect to be talked to. And you LISof the store and this security guy walks up and TEN… your eyes are not filled with anticipation
says, “If you’re here for an autograph, get in line!” or expectation of something you don’t necessarily deserve. Your points are educated but open,
which shows me you have the room to grow.
I said, “Dude, all I want is a pack of strings, a You have shown me how much you have grown
couple picks, and the opportunity to jam on gear I between the first time we met and the second.
And because of those things, I see you as a
couldn’t hope to afford.”
PEER and not a FAN.”
Brien DeChristopher
Anyway, as the crowd died down, I figured “what
the hell?” and got in line. The guy who was doing Musician/Entrepreneur/Owner
the signing was standing behind a glass accesso- Custom Drum Wraps
ries counter with a stack of glossy black & whites.
As each person stepped up, he signed his name,
flicked the picture across the counter in their direction, not looking up, and went on to sign the
next. I watch six dudes walk up to him and he
spoke not to ONE of them. So, when it was my
turn, he flicked the picture toward me and I
flicked it back and said, “Dude, I don’t know who
you are, but if you cannot even take the time to
write ‘To Brien’ on it, I’m done, here.”
of
He snickered and took the picture, wrote “to Brien” on it and handed it to me (notice he didn’t
slide it back, but actually placed it into my hand).
After the signing was over, I walked back over
and asked what his gig was. He smiled a huge
smile and sat down on a speaker cabinet and we
talked. After he told me he played for someone
Wearable Art
Sic•Skinz
Presented by CV WorldWide Magazine and PureSin Photography
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