If you remember the section 7 Questions With… It
has been replaced with this segment. By not limiting myself to seven questions,
I was thinking I could go longer or shorter with an interview to maybe capture a
good read for you.
This
time I caught up with singer Shannon Nicole. She was once a member of the very,
very popular unsigned band On Tracy Lane. She is now in the studio working on
songs and pitching them to record labels.
Q. So, What's been going on? I know that you are working on some new songs.
A. The last couple of months I've just been writing and recording and trying to
finish as many songs as possible.
Q. How's the recording process been going for you?
A. It's been awesome, but it's also been tough. Scott and Richie coach me
through these songs and really help me get in the groove. They're not only
producers, but they're vocal coaches as well. If there's something that I'm not
doing right, or if they think there's something that may sound better, they
guide me in that direction until we get what we want. They're great like that.
Q. Are you writing all of the songs by yourself, or are you collaborating with
other artists as far as lyrics or music?
A. I'm actually writing with Scott Gertken and Richie Criebaum - they're both in
Modern Day Zero (formerly Mesh STL) and Bullet 339 Records.
Q. Are you planning on releasing a CD when this is done, or are the tracks being
done to demo to record labels?
A. We were actually going for a full length to shop around, but the first song
came out so well that Scott started making calls to all of his contacts at a
bunch of labels. We got interest from 3 major labels, and we've been in talks
with them, so I'm not sure if I'll finish with Bullet 339 Records, or if the
label (whichever one we go with) will throw me in the studio and then release
the album.
Q. What do you do when you're not writing and recording? Are you a sports fan, a
movie buff, or do you just hang out at home and play video games? :)
A. Oh, I'm a total nerd. When I'm not working in the studio with the guys, I'm
usually vegging out at home w/ my dogs and watching Court TV, A&E or Discovery -
Shark week is on right now!!!
Q. Who would you say has been your single most influence as far as music is
concerned?
A. I think I really started focusing on music seriously when I heard Sarah
McLaughlin for the first time. I've been playing the piano since I was 3, so
when she hit it big, I was completely obsessed. She was really the first female
artist that I'd ever seen that played the piano and wrote all of her music. I
was completely floored at her effortless performance. She's amazing. I would
kill to share a stage with her one day!
Q. Who's some of your favorite bands and singers?
A. I love the old school stuff - Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan.
Those women had some pipes! And I grew up Southern Baptist, so gospel music was
always a huge part of my life.
Q. If we got to hear your iPod or saw your music collection what would we find
you listening too?
A. You would so make fun of me...let me see what I have on there...White Lion,
Extreme, KT Tunstall, The Meat Puppets, Bon Jovi, Shelby Lynn, Edie Brickell,
Scorpions...shall I continue?
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to say to readers or your fans that are
reading this?
A. I just want to thank everyone that believed in me when I wasn't sure I
believed in myself. I got the balls to go full speed ahead regardless of what
anyone thought...I guess my advice would be to go for it, whatever your "it" may
be. You got nothin' to lose.
With every QOTSA record you can expect a few
things, great up-tempo rock songs, unique music and
some tongue in cheek lyrics. Well, Josh Homme and
company do not disappoint with this release. While
many will continue to say it’s not as grand as
“Songs for the Deaf”, this record surely holds it’s
own. The lead off single, “Sick, Sick, Sick”
introduces newer fans to those raunchy guitar chords
and almost audible, sort of mumbled Josh lyrics.
“3’s & 7’s”, “Suture Up My Future” and “River in the
Road”, all welcome previous listeners with that
staple Queens’ style. Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees)
is back doing some guest vocals on the record; which
is always a plus. Mark usually ends up putting
vocals on some of my favorite QOTSA songs.
The only thing I really miss is the distinct bass
playing. With former bassist, Nick Oliveri, out
working with his own band Mondo Generator, Queens Of
The Stone Age seem to lack in efforts of filling his
role on the recordings. I really think his absence
is heard on every effort the have done since his
departure.
Fans of the band should enjoy the CD and I’m sure
if you haven’t gotten it yet, you will.
This band is a powerhouse of rock n’ roll. I am a
huge fan of Modern Day Zero and their first release
“Coming Up For Air”, and I have been eager to hear
“The Wait”. Well my friends, I am listening to it
right now, and I must say it flat out rocks. MDZ
sounds a little more agitated on this release, but
they have brought that signature sound they have
been honing for years. “Superhuman”, “Show Me”, and
“Piss It All Away” are my favorites at the moment,
but judging by their last release I know all of the
songs will find a place on my frequently played
list.
I still expect huge things for this band in the
future. They have been one of the hardest working
bands that I have ever come into contact with and I
don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
I had heard rumors that this album was going to
be released by a “big label”, instead it is on
singer Scott Gertkens’ Bullet 339 records. My only
question is what dumbass executive didn’t pony up
and ink this band when they had a chance.
For a CD chocked full of explosive and embracing
music I strongly urge you to get “The Wait” by
Modern Day Zero today.
This CD is jam packed with upbeat and balls out
songs. Nick Oliveri and Mondo Generator have put out
their best record to date. You can hear the various
musical influences in each song with styles ranging
from punk to classic rock. “Basket Case”, “All
Systems Go“, and “Life Of Sin” will remind you of
everything from Kyuss, to the Dwarves, to Motorhead.
You can hear how big of an influence and contributor
Oliveri was to the previous Queens Of The Stone Age
releases and it’ll remind you of how much he’s
missed by that bands fans. “Dead Planet”, is well
worth the listen, check it out ASAP.
This will be the section to find bands who would have previously been in The
Underground Spotlight. This section is reserved for bands with no record deals
or who are on little “indie” labels, and who might not have a bigger recognition
nationally.
For your band to be considered in the “Equal Footing” section please email
theaudionut@nutzworld.net
Parental Advisory Note:
Artists and/or their record companies place Parental
Advisory and Explicit Lyrics stickers on the recordings.
I will note it next to the title of the recording when
it is posted on the recording or album artwork its self.
Some of the recordings received by The Audio Nut are not
in the original packaging and therefore may not include
the Parental Advisory warning next to the title. Please
take this into consideration when purchasing a disc that
has been reviewed on this page.
Disclaimer:
The opinions stated above are that of J Sohn and The
Audio Nut. They are not the opinions of NutzWorld,
EntertainmentNutz or any of the above listed
bands/artists; their record labels or associates unless
other wise noted. J Sohn, The Audio Nut, NutzWorld and
EntertainmentNutz are not responsible in any way for the
actions or business practices of the above listed
bands/artists etc.
This
time I caught up with singer Shannon Nicole. She was once a member of the very,
very popular unsigned band On Tracy Lane. She is now in the studio working on
songs and pitching them to record labels. 