Author Archive

Posted on August 22, 2009 - by SenorMustard

Jonestown Tragedy – Interview & Free Downloads

First off introduce yourselves and tell us what you play.
joey-vocals
biz-guitar
zach-guitar
bones-bass
jason-drums

The vocals are different from your previous music, how did that come about…was it a difficult transition?
Well honestly everything is different about this recording we wanted too have an overly produced sound we added alot of effects too the guitars and vocals our previous recordings were really half assed this time around we really took our time on it.

You guys have a unique mixture of genres going on, what genre do you all identify most with?
Well I know for the most part we all really love punk rock from hardcore/melodic punk too pop punk we all grew up listening too bands like strung out nofx to descedents and screaching weasels but yeah we all enjoy different types of genres but for the most part we all for sure identify best with punk rock.

How do you go about writing your music?
Writing our music can be stressful sometimes but its pretty basic i(biz) write a riff or half a song then take it too the jam session where jason and i complete the song together.

How long did it take you to make your new E.P.?
The EP took about 3 weeks we recorded with Charlie Vela and it was a blast he really helped us capture the sound we were looking for. He’s an awesome dude really has a passion for music so he was awesome too work with.

Where can folks get the cd?
If your old fashion you can buy the cd on interpunk.com or download it at downloadpunk.com

Are you nervous about performing with Girl in a Coma… Any plans on trying to hit on any of them?
Nervous? Not at all. We’ve played with Girl In A Coma a few times already. Hitting on them, Im married as far as everyone else I don’t know, haha.

Any special plans as far as touring or promotion for the new cd?
Touring is something were all itching for and hopefully we’ll make it happen next year.

Any last thoughts or anything you’d like to tell our readers?
Dont do drugs, don’t follow trends and most importantly don’t wear girl jeans if your a guy. haha jk

Is there anything you’d like to say about the 2 tracks you sent us?
The 2 tracks are terrible. na jk they’re fast melodic punk rock songs. ENJOY!!!

Download 2 free tracks from Jonestown Tragedy HERE.

Posted on April 21, 2009 - by SenorMustard

11 Questions with Charlie Vela

How long have you been recording other people?
I started recording other bands when I was about 15. The first band I recorded was called The Retarded Flies. I had no idea what I was doing, but nobody seemed to notice so it worked out.

Have you had any formal training or did you learn as you went?
No formal schooling for me. Most of my knowledge comes from reading voraciously about recording and practicing constantly. There’s such an incredible wealth of information that’s available for free I’m sometimes a little puzzled by the whole formal recording school thing. Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of great engineers who went to school, but I have a pretty strong feeling that they would’ve been great engineers anyway. It’s all about the passion you have for what you do.

Could you give us a run through of the gear you like to use?
I try to keep it relatively simple when it comes to gear. It’s very easy to go after every new thing that comes out thinking that it’ll give you “THAT SOUND”. But the truth is learning how to make the most with what you have is the key to great recordings. Take it from me, it is entirely possible to make a $10,000 microphone sound like crap if you don’t know what you’re doing. And sometimes a $12 Radio Shack mic is exactly what a song needs. That said, I use a mixture of high end and low end stuff. When possible I try to build things myself to save money. My mic preamps are all built from kits by Seventh Circle Audio, and are based on classic console designs. They sound GREAT and cost me about a fifth of the real deal. I record to ProTools on a computer that I put together. Buying parts and assembling myself gave me a machine that literally smokes some of the high-end computers you see in music catalogs. Plus I’m one of those people who HAS to know how things work, so it’s a lot of fun for me.

Who would you like to work with alive or dead?
Oh jeez, this is more like a “who are your favorite bands” question isn’t it? Let’s see, Fleetwood Mac, At the Drive-In, Credence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Eat World, Cursive, Iron and Wine, The Little Willies. I’m just going to leave it there before my wrist gets tired. Rest assured, it’s a LONG list.

“We come in early, work our asses off, and are in bed before midnight.”

If you could only choose one, would you choose recording bands or playing in a band and why?
That’s tough. Most of the time recording is all I think about, and I can usually get my music fix just fine that way. A lot of the time when you’re working with a band, you kind of get invited in as a temporary member. Probably because most of the groups I work with know that I’ve been there, and can relate to a lot of the questions and conflicts that can arise from being in a band. So that relationship can be incredibly rewarding. But on the other hand, nothing really compares to getting on stage in front of a crowd that is actually there to enjoy the music you’re making.

While you’re recording do you ever get the urge to jump in a jam too?
Not too often. In the studio, it’s the bands’ show and you have to always respect that. I’m there to get their ideas recorded, not to satisfy my own ego. Whenever I do get asked to play a part it’s a lot of fun though.

You’ve been recording for a while, any crazy stories you’d like to share?
You know, I really can’t think of any. Things can be pretty relaxed in the studio, and with the bands I’ve worked with anyway, it doesn’t really lend itself to wild debauchery. Maybe if I was recording in the 70’s or 80’s it would be a different story. But we come in early, work our asses off, and are in bed before midnight. If you ask me, that’s the best way to work. All that other craziness just gets in the way of what we’re there for: which is making music.

What projects are you working on next, any project you’re especially excited about?
I’m about to head in with Ideophonic for a new EP, and then after that Dignan and I are headed up to Austin to mix their new record. Madore should be in this May for a new EP as well. I’m really excited about all these projects, they’re all such good bands yet entirely different from one another.

Do work with all types of genres (record any tejano bands)?
I’m certainly interested in all types of music, and I take steps to make sure I’m up on the current trends in a lot of genres. But most of the people who contact me are in the rock arena, so that’s what I do mostly. If anyone reading this wants to make a completely out of this world country record, I am soooo down.

How should a band go about contacting you about recording/are their any requirements?
Getting in touch with me via myspace (myspace.com/charlievelarecording) or email (charlievelarecording@gmail.com) is the best way. I have some frequently asked questions on my blog to help bands get ready for their time in the studio. My main tip is to practice. I know that sounds so obvious a lot of people don’t even listen, but practice. It’s the difference between an ok record and a great record; a painfully slow and excruciating experience and a walk in the park. Plus wouldn’t you feel like a badass knowing that you can totally pull off your parts live?

In the end, what are your goals for the future in general?
I plan to keep making records for artists in the valley and Texas. I really think we have something special here, and things are getting to the point where the rest of the country will start to notice. I just want to do my part in raising the level of artistry and promoting good music by doing the best job recording it I can. Some friends and I are also working on a new business model for a record label something that can be competitive in the current market, and something that will also help showcase the talent we have down here.

Posted on April 18, 2009 - by SenorMustard

Oriin Interview

So can you state you names and what instrument you play?
Robert, guitar.
Daniel, drums.
Joseph, bass.
Art, guitar.

How did you guys meet?
Joseph and I (Robert) are brothers, and we both started playing these instruments around the same time. We are pretty much inseparable. Joseph and Daniel met at school. They were already good friends before Daniel joined the band. I (Robert) met Art through myspace. He had a profile of his solo project up on the net, and I enjoyed it and I thought he would be great for our band. Shortly afterwards, I messaged Daniel and Art asking if they would be interested in playing. They both agreed and Oriin was born.

Noticed you guys have had some line up changes; How is it working with the new members?
It is always scary getting new members. You never know what to expect. When Joseph and I (robert) first started playing with other musicians member turn over was high. Most of the time we were all on different pages. This is the first time where we have all connected. Daniel, Art, and Joseph are not only musicians to me, but they are my best friends now. We all enjoy each others company, and we’re in it for the long haul.

What’s the story behind the name change, what does Oriin Mean?
Oriin in essence means absolutely nothing but a boys name. We had no idea what it meant when we thought about it. It’s kinda weird we know but it just happened. It was originally suppose to be Orein, but there were dj’s and other bands with that name so we played around with the letters. Some of our friends have told us that according to mythology Oriin is suppose to be the god of shadows. To be honest, we all just loved the way it sounds.

We were in San Antonio for almost a week, eating, drinking, sweating, and sleeping music.

How was your experience recording your album?
Words could not describe how fascinating recording this album was. We were in San Antonio for almost a week, eating, drinking, sweating, and sleeping music. It was the best week ever. We not only recorded this album but we all bonded closer to one another. We are excited to go back, and maybe next time we’ll play some shows along the way.

As far as the album goes, what were you goals, what were you trying to capture, and how do you feel about the outcome?
As with all our songs, we put so much emotion into every part of every song. We feel that if a song lacks emotion it has no motive, or no where to go. Our main goal was to write what we felt at the current time. We never sat down and discussed how a song should feel or what we want to convey. We all pretty much just sat down and played.

So you guys are signed to 2 labels, and have a new album out, what’s next for Oriin?
Well, actually we are only signed to one, futurerecordings, which is based out of San Diego, California. The other label that we were licensed to did not work out the way we all had initally planned. Futurerecordings has been like a big brother to us. The owner, Adam, actually flew from California to Texas when we were recording. In the words of Nacho Libre, “He’s the best” lol. We do not quite know what is next for us. We want to get this album out to as many people as possible, and play for as many people as possible. I’m sure in the months to come we’ll have new songs and soon we’ll have another album, but right now we’re all just focused on spreading our name and music into peoples lives and ears.

Any final thoughts you’d like to add?
We would just like to say thank you to RGVJuice for this wonderful oppurtunity. We are grateful for your support. To our friends, family, and fans, we would like give a thanks, along with a big hug.

Posted on February 23, 2009 - by SenorMustard

Sarah and Octopus

Website:   myspace.com/sarahandoctopus

Sarah and Octopus is 3 piece band from San Antonio; with one member originating from Brownsville Texas. The band brings virtuous progressive rock mashed with an in your face punk feel to it.

The self-titled album starts off with a bang and can be challenging to hear at times with what appears to be pure chaos. If madness had a soundtrack this would be it. But by the 6^th track the album brings it down a notch with softer tracks that feel jazzier.

The songs are loaded with tempo changes, and ambitious musical endeavors that seem impossible to play. Guitarist Mark Anthony Esquivel looks robotic playing at the speed and precision he does. Ian Mcintosh locks in tight with rhythmically challenging bass riffs and drummer Mason Macias looks like the octopus with all 4 limbs creating maddening drums beats. The songs are injected with eccentricity fusing metal, jazz, and math rock.

Stand out tracks include “Ajsu” with both guitar and bass tapping away at a 1000 notes per second, it show cases the musicality in all members of the band. “Film School” is equipped with a mellower feel, sweet keys, choir sounding vocals and an easier to digest song structure but without losing what the band is about.

They put on a great live show that will amaze some, while possibly scaring away others. They play consistently throughout Texas and are venturing on a tour in July. Their album can be purchased through their myspace.