However, one Facebook user who seems to lack a caps-lock key went one step-further and created the “i hate my passion” group.

Fans are in arms regarding the situation and have since retaliated with a series of comments in support of the band. As you can imagine this has also been met by the haters comments which have so far been in the form of misconstructed sentences.

Regardless of whether you like the band or not – we don’t believe the groups creator was quite braced for this…

Lead Vocalist Laurence Hits Haters Where It Hurts... (Not Literally Of Course.)

As Winston Churchill once said: “You have enemies ? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

Article by: Jamie

On April 6th the two brand new AVANTASIA albums “The Wicked Symphony” and “Angel Of Babylon” will be released via Nuclear Blast records. With previous efforts immediately hitting the charts in over 15 countries, expectations are high for this latest work. Like the former masterpieces, there will be breathtaking performances of numerous guest stars for the fans. This time around, names include the likes of Klaus Meine (Scorpions), Eric Singer (KISS), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Jon Oliva (Savatage), Bob Catley (Magnum), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Jens Johansson (ex-DIO, Stratovarius), Andre Matos (ex-Angra), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS, ex-Meat Loaf) and many more.

Produced by Sascha Paeth, the result is a stunning collection of epic rock, spread over two albums – ”The Wicked Symphony” and ”Angel Of Babylon”. The two albums be released separately, but also in a deluxe edition featuring both albums in two digibooks with two beautiful booklets plus an additional book with interview, history, biography, linernotes and the download code for exclusive bonus material.

Now is your chance to listen to the first track off the album, a short edit-version of the track “Dying For An Angel” featuring Klaus Meine of the Scorpions as guest vocalist, Tobias on vocals and bass, Sascha Paeth on guitars and Eric Singer (KISS) on drums.

Click on www.tobiassamet.com and let it rock!

THE THRASH METAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR!

“Exhibit B: The Human Condition”. It’s really, really sick. It’s really different from the last one and it’s really different from the two before. But it’s 100 percent EXODUS. Out of the last three, this one is faster, but it’s also a little more melodic, and it’s also a little bit more old school. Some of Rob’s vocal patterns are just so old school; it’s killer. The production is a little more, let’s say, less sterile. Not less sterile, but less digital perfection, more organic. It’s really, really lively. There is by far more melody on it as well. Thematically, it’s a little different. The last one centered a lot on religion and this one is, as the title says, about the human condition; cruelty, ignorance, and inhumanity and brutality. Just the things that man has shown to be so adept at doing.” GARY HOLT, Exodus

Tom Hunting, Kirk Hammett and Gary Holt founded EXODUS in 1982, shortly after selecting an appropriate singer the band, Paul Baloff, who completed the line up perfectly and brought the dream to fruition. Within the following year EXODUS gained huge attention in the international underground scene, evolving from an insiders’ tip of the tape trading community to a highly popular act.  Innovative song writing and explosive live shows made the difference; EXODUS brought Bay Area Thrash to the world and inspired many bands, among them METALLICA, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL and VIO-LENCE (respectively MACHINE HEAD). In 1983 Kirk Hammet left the band to join METALLICA, and was replaced by Rick Hunolt. Soon after Rob McKillop complemented the mix.

The debut “Bonded By Blood” was released two years later and became a timeless thrash classic still appreciated today. A vast tour with SLAYER and VENOM preceded next, thus the name EXODUS spread more and more. Shortly before the second album “Pleasures Of The Flesh” showed up in 1987, Baloff left the band due to personal and musical differences and got replaced by Steve “Zetro” Souza (ex-LEGACY). The line-up and chemistry was working for the creativity and the subsequent success of the band.  With studio records like “Fabulous Disaster”, “Impact Is Imminent” and “Force Of Habit” as well as the live album “Good Friendly Violent Fun” and the compilation “Lessons In Violence” EXODUS kept on improving their style and promoted their music with a large number of gigs including tours with PANTERA, ANTHRAX, MOTÖRHEAD, BLACK SABBATH, METALLICA, MEGADETH and many others.

1992 saw the split of EXODUS, affected by stress and personal problems.  A short reunion happened 1996 (with their “old” singer Paul Baloff) with a tour through Europe and North America and the release of the second live record “Another Lesson In Violence”.  Another break took place until September 2001 when EXODUS attended the “Thrash Of The Titans” benefit show featuring LEGACY, ANTHRAX, S.O.D. and DEATH ANGEL. Afterwards the band started writing new material but got adjourned abruptly: Paul Baloff suffered a stroke on 2^nd February 2002 and sadly passed away. Back with Souza at the microphone EXODUS continued working and finally finished the recording sessions for the new, ultimate comeback album “Tempo Of The Damned” in 2004.

The success was incredible, but still EXODUS had some serious line up problems: Zetro, Rick Hunolt and Tom Hunting were replaced by former roadie Rob Dukes, Lee Altus (ex-HEATHEN) and Paul Bostaph (ex-SLAYER). With this line up, EXODUS recorded the amazing “Shovel Headed Kill Machine” – another lesson in violence for sure! In the meantime, Tom Hunting was back in the saddle, after he solved his personal issues that led to his departure from the band.

Commented Gary Holt on the new cover artwork:

“We wanted to portray the violence of man at its finest, so we started with our own version of the Leonardo da Vinci sketch [of Vitruvian Man], but done the ‘EXODUS’ way! I was pointed in the direction of Colin Larks of Rainsong Design for the cover and he killed it!  To me, the artwork represents man and his affinity for bloodshed, ignorance, and all-around ability to be led like sheep to the slaughter. The image fits the songs on this record perfectly. The whole layout is going to be as sick as the record itself!”

Exhibit B: The Human Condition was recorded this past December in Northern California with producer Andy Sneap (Testament, Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Kreator).

Track List:

1. The Ballad Of Leonard And Charles

02. Beyond The Pale

03. Hammer And Life

04. Class Dismissed (A Hate Primer)

05. Downfall

06. March Of The Sycophants

07. Nanking

08. Burn, Hollywood, Burn

09. Democide

10. The Sun Is My Destroyer

11. A Perpetual State Of Indifference

12. Good Riddance

Bonus Track: 13. Devil’s Teeth

A welcome addition to the SONISPHERE line up, in their seven years FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND have chalked up some amazing statistics: the band have sold considerably more than a million records; all four of their albums have gone into the UK Top 20; they have three Gold records; have graced countless magazine covers, been the subject of broadsheet profiles and tabloid features; their tours sell out the nation’s larger venues in a matter of minutes; worldwide – from America to Russia, Singapore to Australia, Japan and beyond – they have a following more loyal than bands considered their equal. And, most importantly, they rock.

Making their SONISPHERE debut this year are British Rockers FIGHTSTAR. 2009 was a hugely successful year for the London four-piece – a top 20 album with their third and most successful record, “be human”; two sold out headline tours which included Shepherds Bush Empire in November; an appearance at T4 on the Beach, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the iTunes festival as well as having 4 singles playlisted at Radio 1. Their MySpace site has racked up 2.2 million profile views and the band drew huge crowds at the Download and Reading and Leeds festivals. All this leaves FIGHSTAR more than qualified to deliver a memorable set at KNEBWORTH and one you won’t want to miss. Says frontman CHARLIE SIMPSON:

“Playing Sonisphere at the legendary Knebworth ground is going to be incredible! This festival has come out of nowhere to compete with the likes of Download and Reading/Leeds, so it will be an absolute must for any rock fan this summer. There are so many great bands playing over the three days and we are honoured to be part of the line-up.”

In the eight years between 2001 – 2009, SKUNK ANANSIE left a gaping hole in the UK rock scene, so we’re delighted that these recently reformed rockers will be joining the SONISPHERE 2010 KNEBWORTH line up.  The multi-platinum selling act came crashing onto an unsuspecting rock scene back in 1994 with what lead singer Skin labelled “Clit-Rock” – described as an amalgam of heavy metal and black feminist rage. They went on to conquer the world with their unique style, with their impressive live show securing nominations at various awards ceremonies. Now, the attendees of SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH get to see why, as the band deliver hits such as “Weak”, “Charity” and “All I Want”.

Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand for the last three years, GALLOWS is a name synonymous with attitude, aggression and hardcore punk rock. Since 2007, the fearless FRANK CARTER and co have punished music fans the world over with their refreshingly real take on punk, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts on the scene. Like the demented grandchildren of SONISPHERE stage sharers IGGY & THE STOOGES, GALLOWS promise to bring an element of danger to the weekend’s proceedings, as they spit out tracks like “Abandon Ship”, In The Belly Of A Shark” and Top 40 single “Staring At The Rude Bois”.

Flying in from Chicago, MADINA LAKE bring their catchy blend of pop-punk and alt-rock to the SONISPHERE stage. Since their first outing here, the band’s rise in the UK has been nothing short of spectacular. First hitting the UK in support of Paramore in late 2006, the band found themselves selling out the very same venues they were opening at mere months later, and the success story snowballed from there. Gracing numerous magazine covers, securing BEST INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMER at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards and subsequently appearing on the 2008 Kerrang! Tour, by the time 2009’s “Attic’s To Eden” was released, MADINA mania was unstoppable, and shows no sign of stopping as they make their way to SONISPHERE 2010 – apparently a lifelong dream for bassplayer MATTHEW LEONE:

“Meeting the cast of “Revenge of the Nerds”, and playing Sonisphere are the last two things on my bucket list.  Come August 2nd, I’ll be that much closer to calling it a life with no regrets.”

Family Force 5 is one of the great success stories of artist development in contemporary music today. Their debut CD has quietly scanned 125,000 + copies and their live show has been seen by tens of thousands, earning them a reputation as one of the hardest working band’s in America, with a performance that is second to none. You may have heard Fearne Cotton giving UK debut single Dance or Die a spin or two, or maybe you caught these guys tearing it up across the UK in February with Cobra Starship. FAMILY FORCE 5 returns to the UK for their first ever UK festival performance at SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH; Expect hip shaking, move making, sing-a-long dance rock a plenty! In the words of Keytarist/Vocalist Naddady “we’re at war. Dancing is our weapon, and our party is ready to pull the trigger.”

Formed initially as a tribute to last year’s SONISPHERE headliners METALLICA in 1993, APOCALYPTICA have become leading force in their own right. Armed with three cellos and a metal-as-hell drummer, APOCALYPTICA have become a firm festival favourite, as they offer alternative takes on bands such as METALLICA, SEPULTURA and PANTERA, as well as their own material. Don’t let the presence of classical instruments fool you – these Finns play hard and heavy, and will have no problem working up a frenzy amongst those in attendance.

Look out for a very exciting announcement with more bands next week, and many more acts to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Tickets for SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH are on sale now at www.sonispherefestivals.com

Line up so far:

IRON MAIDEN **
RAMMSTEIN *
ALICE COOPER *
ANTHRAX  *
APOCALYPTICA *
BRING ME THE HORIZON *
THE CULT *
FAMILY FORCE 5
FEAR FACTORY
FIGHTSTAR
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND
GALLOWS
HENRY ROLLINS (SPOKEN WORD) *
IGGY & THE STOOGES *
MADINA LAKE
MÖTLEY CRÜE **
PAPA ROACH *
PLACEBO *
SLAYER *
SKUNK ANANSIE

** Only UK performance of 2010
* Exclusive Festival Performance

Tickets available from www.sonispherefestivals.com

Image Property of T Whalen - Chicago. Click the image to visit their Flickr account.

After three years of loyal patience, ANDREW W.K. fans can finally experience the ‘lost’ third album from the established party rocker.  Previously released in Japan and Korea in 2006, CLOSE CALLS WITH BRICK WALLS will officially become available on March 22nd 2010, being released on new label STEEV MIKE, as a special two album package (the original CLOSE CALLS WITH BRICK WALLS on one disc, and an additional CD called MOTHER OF MANKIND, containing rare and unreleased material).

After the recent release of 55 CADILLAC - a compilation of improvised solo piano compositions - CLOSE CALLS WITH BRICK WALLS and MOTHER OF MANKIND deliver the slamming, inspirational music for which Andrew W.K. is loved, coupled with new sounds and feelings rarely associated with his traditional work.

And W.K fans have even more to be excited by with every trackname from the album being announced:

Close Calls With Brick Walls

• 1. I Came For You
• 2. Close Calls With Bal Harbour
• 3. Not Going To Bed
• 4. You Will Remember Tonight
• 5. Hand On The Place
• 6. Pushing Drugs
• 7. One Brother
• 8. Las Vegas, Nevada
• 9. Dr. Dumont
• 10. Golden Eyed Dog
• 11. Into The Clear
• 12. When I’m High
• 13. I Want To See You Go Wild
• 14. Mark My Grace
• 15. Don’t Call Me Andy
• 16. The Background
• 17. Slam John Against A Brick Wall
• 18. The Moving Room

Mother Of Mankind

• 1. We Party (You Shout)
• 2. High Five
• 3. Let’s Go On A Date
• 4. We Got A Groove
• 5. Sarah Notto
• 6. I’m A Vagabond
• 7. I’ve Got Know Fear
• 8. Big Party
• 9. Who Knows?
• 10. Coming Bad
• 11. Can You Dance With Me?
• 12. Kicks And Bricks
• 13. A.W.K.
• 14. I Will Find God
• 15. This Is My World
• 16. Young Lord
• 17. We’re Not Gunna Get Old
• 18. Kill Yourself
• 19. I Want Your Face
• 20. Jewel Street Man
• 21. The Party God

Expect to see a review on the new album just before its release of the 22nd March!

A woman shrieking; and to my knowledge the husband isn't even taking the picture...

Have you ever had that moment on MSN happily chatting away about how you fought off 30 ninjas today with a frying pan? If so then more often than not a cataclysm is preempted. The person you dread pops up with a new YouTube link for you.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

No, it seems to be a common occurrence for me:

Keyboard Cat

Party In The USA Cover

Epic Fail

All feature some-what extensively on my browsing history.

Yet today, today was worse. Oh, so so much worse.

I was sent a link to NeverShoutNever!

Initially I was pretty ‘meh’  (not mehhh, that would be a sheep) because to be fair on the guy I had never heard any of his songs.

But ouch, aren’t they tacky?

Seriously I know all the girls are gonna be like “F*** You. I love Chris Drew For Life!” and fair enough. But, from a male and rational point of view, the songs are a mixture of cheddar and politics – rubbish.

The song was called “On The Brightside“

From which a screenshot can be seen below.

Screenshot from NeverShoutNever!'s video "On The BrightSide" - Used purely for parody/review purposes.

Ok what I derived from that image was some weird A Bugs Life type-thing positioned directly left of a hairy boob.

Even more bizarrely seems to be Lumberjack Lee looking between Hairy Hilda’s legs with money signs in his eyes *shivers*

I’m guessing you know where I got the article title from now.

Seriously I bet the animator was lol-ing his ass off when the video was released to the public with no-one noticing.

Then we get on to the music…

It’d be pretty funny actually… if it was Chris Crocker singing…

The best line was definitely “I said hi“  it sounds like his trousers are high too.

Perhaps the most annoying point of all is the hype over him/the band.

They couldn’t give a crap about the music.

Every comment on YouTube just seems to be Chris Drew marriage related.

If they actually took the music off mute, then they’d see why the song and album need to remain in a unknown shops bargain bin.

I’m slightly apprehensive about opening the comments as I’m sure I’m going to get a female backlash….

But ya know all is fair in love and war.

*imagine a Lolcat in a tank here*

Rant by: Jamie

My Passion - Image Copyright of Marianne Harris

Originally published on July 21st 2009 one of our most popular posts was riddled with font errors, old pictures, mis-alignment and general annoyances. However, today I finally reached boiling point. After pouring a cup of Coffee I started to rejuvenate an old interview with one of today’s hottest bands….

*Bear in mind this interview was conducted last-year so not all of the information may still stand*

1. Undoubtedly the majority of rockers will have heard of My Passion by now. Yet, for those who still haven’t, what are your main goals as a band?

My Passion for me is an alternative to everything else that’s going on. It’s fresh, it’s exciting and the sound is unique. It’s not for everybody but for those who it does capture it is almost a lifestyle and it demands a whole lot of devotion.

Like everything with my passion nothing is half hearted its all pretty full on. The goal of the band is probably no different to that of many other aspiring musicians, to be heard by as many ears in this weird world as possible and to gain love from a proportion of those. To affect those listeners lives in a positive way and for us to continue to love this and to take it worldwide.

2. Are any of the songs based on real life experiences?

Of course they are built on experiences which you gain from just being here so there is a lot of real life but of course there is an element of storytelling and fiction. I think there are plenty of bands telling people exactly how it is but we’ve always been more fond of songs that might not be quite so obvious at first glance.

We’re only a young band but I think so far on our adventure we have experienced a lot, seen a many of places and a fair few bizarre things. It’s a different way of putting things there are anecdotes, cheeky innuendos and ideas that people can make their own with their own take on the world. We’re not opposed to taking things from the real world and reforming them in our own world everyone has dreams and everyone has nightmares.

3. You guys have just completed a massive U.K tour. What’s been your favourite part about it? And how was it having ‘Members Of Me’ for support?

That tour was a huge occasion for us! The celebration of all that we had achieved so far and of course the release of our debut album. Night after night we were made so happy by the amount of people coming out just to see My Passion. We had to step back and take a look at what had begun to build; it was like wow after all this work some excitement is really starting to build here.The favorite show had to be the finalé in Camden town where we chose to bring our electric rock show to a huge church and put on a show that no one would forget, to sell it out and get the praise we did just made it even better.

We had a few supports across the tour, each act different and that worked really well. The Members of Me guys fitted in perfectly and we got on really well, just so fun to be on the road with and that’s what you need when touring for so long. We have been building up over the last few years dedicating our lives to this so to invite some new bands like MOM, Firetone & Summerlin out on the road with us we felt like it was a great opportunity for them and helped us stay fresh at the same time.

4. With My Passion being nominated for ‘Kerrang Best Newcomer’ what does it mean to the band receiving so many votes off your devoted fans?

Well a year ago we didn’t even feature in the music press. It’s likely that we still wouldn’t, had it not been for the fans of this band. It started at the end of last year when we got voted at the top of the readers’ polls in the top mags and that was like our announcement and it was really unexpected. Since then it has continued to grow and to now receive a nomination and a table at the grand Kerrang! Awards is a big moment in our history.

I think the bands involved in this form the new wave of exciting UK rock music and the award could really go to any of these bands. Whatever the result it’s a bit of a victory for the fans showing that together they have a pretty big voice and can help put a band into the spotlight and we thank them for that.

5. My Passion  have recently shook hands with ‘THE AGENCY GROUP’ How’s it the band itself and your devoted fans?

This is really great news for us and for the fans! It means My Passion will be able to get to places that people keep calling out for us to return to. It means a whole lot of touring planned which we thrive on. It also means that a world of support opportunities have opened up with many of our favorite bands already represented by the agency group.

Of course becoming part of this is also some recognition for where we sit in the scheme of things and as kids we dreamed of being a professional band out touring with our best friends playing music that we love, that dream is actually happening and it feels really good for everyone involved.

6.  Now for a question that’s sure to be plaguing many Passion fans minds…..

John Be - Image Copyright of Jodie Cunningham

Are you still going to be playing  small venues such as ‘Mansfield’s Town Mill’?

We will always make sure we are covering different areas of the country, we really don’t know to what size it will grow and how fast. I don’t think My Passion is a cool band it’s sometimes not something people accept instantly. There is a lot of hard work yet to do and we hope everyone comes along with us to continue the adventure. The stuff that has been achieved in the last few weeks is the culmination of 3- 4 years hard work so sometimes it can seem overnight but it really isn’t. It’s something we’ve had to really work at and we’ve had to carve out our own following and path amongst everything during tough times. We have an amazing time even so.

I’ve always been a fan of small clubs even though we think My Passion definitely thrives on the big stage and all that comes with it. So there may be a time in the future where we return to small clubs for something special. At the minute we don’t know where My Passion will land this Autumn but we aren’t setting ourselves any limits and at the same time we aren’t discounting the places we have played in the past!

7. And last but not least. What are My Passions plans after the Kerrang awards?

We have a couple of one off shows supporting an American band called family force 5 which is an opportunity for people to see the band on the only dates in the summer. We have a Swedish festival and trip to Berlin in Germany too. Alongside all this Day Of The Bees will land as a single with a video that has just been playlisted for Kerrang TV which is a new thing for My Passion.

Come September the plan is to get very busy touring out on the road but at the moment people just need to keep a look out for news on that. It’s more of the same hectic My Passion schedule really and we can’t wait! thanks!

A genre once on the brink of deteriorating now appears to have been revitalised following the latest major record deal.

New York veterans Madball have recently put pen to paper with Nuclear Blast to the delight of hardcore devotees.

Speaking of his elation band vocalist Freddy Cricien said: “I’m very proud to announce that we have signed with Nuclear Blast, for Europe and it’s various territories. We are entering a new and very important chapter in our lives/career, and I know this is the right home for us in Europe…without a doubt!  I feel that all the folks at NB genuinely understand and respect our history, longevity, legacy, etc. I also know they believe in our future, in what we still have to offer.. Which will manifest itself in our new album coming out this year! Not to mention, it is an honor and privilege to be label mates with the legendary Agnostic Front. We have not shared a label together since our first release on In Effect/Relativity in 1989. Not only are they family, literally, but they are also an inspiration to all of us in the Hardcore world and beyond! Looking forward to a new year, new label, and new record! See you on tour!“

This was followed by Nuclear Blast A&R representative Jaap Wagemaker stating: “Today it is with great honor to announce the signing of NY Hardcore legends MADBALL to the Nuclear Blast roster. They started out as one of the most innovative bands of the scene, became one of the most influential ones and easily stood the test of time. Just like AGNOSTIC FRONT, MADBALL always were and ever will be nothing but a legend and an unstoppable force! We are excited and extremely proud to be working with and for Freddy and the boys in Europe! Be aware, the new album will strike – the knife will get deeper again!“

Words by: Miss B0mb. Image Property of: Jamie Hughes; image23.co.uk

*This article is written from a third person point of view.*

Miss B0mb’s career began in 2004 whilst at University when, fed up with the Rock nights that were on offer in Derby, she took it upon herself to do better and she set up and managed a ‘B0mbshell’ weekly night successfully for four years. Being a big music lover, she regularly attended gigs where she met a local promoter who was involved in an Internet Radio station called Rock 247 Online. He asked her to join the Rock 247 team, which eventually became Phoenix Radio, where she is currently based. Having a totally blank canvas for every show, Miss B0mb comes up with all segments for the show, conducts all her interviews and dedicates a section of her monthly show to the promotion of unsigned artists, as these are a strong element of the Rock scene.

Miss B0mb attended the UK Bloodstock Open Air festival in 2009 with the Phoenix Radio team, where she was asked to join the Bloodstock Podcast team. She has been producing regular weekly shows since then and this year the organisers have asked her to support the video interviews of main stage acts at the 2010 festival, which she has delightfully accepted.

In addition, Miss B0mb is a freelance writer for 2 online magazines, Suite 101 and Rock and Metal News reviewing and promoting unsigned bands from the Rock scene.

Not wanting to become stagnant and in a bid to raise her profile, Miss B0mb decided to turn her attention to alternative modeling. After taking a few promotional shots in her back garden, she signed up with Perfect Storm Models and takes on the occasional shoot for fashion, portfolio building, or music videos and promotions.

Miss B0mb’s Advice
If you’re eager to set up your own Rock night somewhere, take heed of this advice; it’s bloody hard work! Far more than you realise if you’ve never done it before but it is equally rewarding if you pull it off. There is nothing more disconcerting than DJing to a crowd of twelve people in a 500 capacity club, but the trick is promotion. Be creative, hold regular theme nights, set up a forum and list it on your flyers. B0mbshell became a huge cult and hosted it’s own forum, Myspace page and sold merchandise. Follow in B0mbshell’s steps and try and gain some sponsorship from a local Students’ Union if they do not already host an alternative night, there is often a good calling for it, especially in the smaller cities.

If it is radio DJing that interests you then look into volunteering, this is a key element as you can have all the qualifications in the world but no one will touch you without some experience under your belt. Look at the Internet radio stations out there as they are always keen for volunteers, or look on sites like Radio Talent or Media UK where they advertise volunteer jobs.  You can search for free. Try and be relaxed when talking and be creative and just have fun with it. Remember you are not being paid so if you are not having fun; what’s the point? It is still possible to take it seriously and enjoy yourself at the same time.

When interviewing bands, try not to feel star struck, just relax.  It helps to research the band or artist thoroughly, that way you won’t panic and feel you are going to get caught out! Look over previous interviews they have done and try to have a conversation rather than a question and answer session.  This is sometimes easier said than done, but practice is key.

Try and be creative with your radio shows, come up with jingles and special sections to make your show stand out from the rest, but mainly, be yourself and love what you do.

When writing reviews and articles, get in touch with online webzines or start your own. If you feel you don’t know where to start, do some research and read articles about people who have set up an online webzine and contact them for advice. I have found people love to talk about themselves and their careers, so most people will want offer you advice. Throwing yourself in an the deep end may seem a bit daunting but it is the easiest way to do it, expect to make mistakes and keep going. If you have to be negative in your reviews, make it constructive criticism and try and write in third person. It will help to get someone else to read your work before publishing it and take any criticism positively. Think about the audience you are writing for, the age group, gender, and social aspects, and tailor it accordingly.

For Alternative Models out there, be prepared to work hard, competition is fierce and you will suffer a lot of rejection. Don’t take this personally as it is not necessarily against how you look, it is a very small industry in this country and a lot of people  want to get involved, so just brush off every failed casting and move on. It’s important to feel confident as this will come out on your photos, as will having fun on your shoots. This is easily achievable by practicing looks and poses at home in the mirror; try and get a few signature poses that you can call your own. If you want to get some promotional shots then use a normal digital camera and get a friend to take a few snapshots but avoid the classic “Myspace” pose as these are not popular. Joining network sites like Model Mayhem and Pure Storm are really helpful and free to sign up to. You can find lots of photographers on the castings page who will help build your portfolio and you should aim to get as many different looks as you can to show your versatility.

The most important advice is NEVER under any circumstances do what is not comfortable for you. It is not a necessity for any model to pose nude and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t be afraid to walk out on a shoot if you’re being pressured. Always ensure your photographer signs a Model Release form as this will stop anyone from selling photographs of yourself to disreputable companies.  You can find the forms on the Internet and are intended to protect both yourself and the photographer.

Finally, be prepared to work for free and be prepared to do this a lot! Never be afraid to talk to people, confidence is key, there will always be someone out there who is better than you, but they might not have ‘the’ something that makes you different.. Stay positive, if you want it badly enough, there is no reason why you cannot achieve it.

Peppy Foursome Reachback.

“What makes us different is that we combine all different styles from rock, pop, punk and heavier music into one” explains Reachback dynamo pocket-rocket vocalist Ruby. “Also having a girl fronted band pulls us apart from the others!” Although in today’s age it’s often hard to decipher whether a female fronted band is trying to copy that Hayley Williams-esque Ruby was quick to state: ” personally Paramore have had a massive influence on me but to stay away from the cliche Hayley williams I’ve brought my own style.” True to her word Ruby can be seen sporting an Iron Maiden jumper on the image to the left, a garment that’s totally opposite to what pop-rock princess Hayley portrays herself as.

Whilst only having one song on their Myspace  “Hands Up Hearts Down” the bands official Youtube page also features a cover of the energetic pop song “Just Dance” made famous by the fabulous Lady Gaga. However, we do have to ask with only one song easily accessible on their plain Myspace, when are they hoping for their new songs and a flashy updated page to be out? “We are going back to the studio very soon to record a new ep and the new Myspace will be ready in a matter days so keep your eyes pealed” answers the band.

No different to any other rock outfit Reachback have some big goals and ambitions for the future. “Our long term goal is to have released a number of  EP’s / albums and to have toured throughout the country.” Even more so they plan to take our picturesque nation and turn it on its side. “We want to have toured throughout the country and have made a fuss in the UK.” Yet why stop there? As Ruby swiftly adds “and outer countries.”

And what better way to finish off an introduction article then with a smart and quirky snippet from their biography:

“Delivered with a rapscallious,

… non-sterile,

… high energy …

… the general consensus is … like an orgy in a VW camper van ….

- They Rock.”

Sound like your ideal Reachback day? Then check out their snazzy video below. Or, if Youtube isn’t your ‘thang’ then check out their soon to be updated Myspace page.

Article by: Jamie

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