!!!FREE MUSIC!!!

As often as I can, I will bring (legitimately) FREE music to you guys. First up is a download from the good folks over at Afro-Punk. This is actually Volume 2 of their mix series which features the hottest bands on the scene. You'll especially love it because it features a few WANLS faves, including Peekaboo Theory and American Fangs. Every track is bangin....what are you waiting for? Get to clicking on the Download link below and you'll be jamming before you can say WANLS is the coolest website ever:) P.S. You can listen to all the tracks right here before you download, if you'd like. Use the arrows to go through the tracks.

Entrevista: A Dream Asleep

Early in the millenium, Houston hip-hoppers caught the attention of the music industry and the entire world. It seemed that talent flowed as freely amongst the MC's as the "purple stuff" they heralded in their music. But what many don't realize is that Houston has a lot more to offer, music-wise, than freestyles and hot 16's. Put simply: Houston ROCKS. The bands that call Houston home are hotter than ever and poised to take the industry and your ears by storm. Case on point: A Dream Asleep...the 5-piece embodies the new surge of life in The Bayou City's music scene. These dudes definitely have it and they never disappoint. This Saturday (11/28), A Dream Asleep will celebrate the release of their EP, "We Are The Juggernauts," by playing a show at the legendary Fitzgerald's in Houston, along with fellow WANLS faves American Fangs, Peekaboo Theory, thelastplaceyoulook and Cavernous. Seriously, this show will be like sticking your face in a bowl of liquid awesome. Houston, you don't want to miss this. I know I'll be there. I've wanted to interview these guys for awhile and am really glad to be able to bring this to you. A Dream Asleep...they rock, I just roll....let's go!

WANLS: Tell me the name of your band, how it came about, if you ever went by another name and how you guys formed a band.

ADA: A Dream Asleep - It is a metaphor for unrealized/forgotten ambition. After PM Theory split, the brothers Girth picked up Aaron who was in The Kidnap Soundtrack, Justin from A Royal Tragedy and Mike who had been PM Theory's videographer.

WANLS: Introduce me to the band members and whether they play/sing/etc.

ADA: Mike Seals - Vocals; Ryan Girth - Bass; Erik Girth - Guitar/Vocals; Justin Smith - Guitar/ Vocals; Aaron Perez - Drums


WANLS: Throw your sets up! Fill in the blanks: We love living in ____________, because ______________.

ADA: We love living in the past because its comfortable...haha...but really we love living in Houston because its flat, ugly and stanky but we have alot of good friends and family here.

WANLS: Do you guys identify with a particular genre?

ADA: Hardcore


WANLS: What are your musical influences?

ADA: Things and stuff, alot of Punk Rock and Core. Maybe "SOME" Metal... Barbra Streisand and your various barber shop quartets.

WANLS: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

ADA: Loud, aggressive and energetic.

WANLS: Do you have or are you signed to a record label?

ADA: Nope.. no label as of yet.


WANLS: What are some of your most memorable shows?

ADA: A dream Asleep vs. Skeleton Dick. At Rocbar. Both bands were on stage the whole time. We battled song for song and it was badass!! Also, making our own stage at the last Westheimer Block Party by setting up on the street and just playing was fun too

WANLS: Who writes your music?

ADA: everyone... including you!! and you!!

WANLS: Tell me about the in-studio/music making process for your band.

ADA: We usually start with guitars or drums and work around it until Ryan writes a hook or bridge. Refining comes more when we are sure of what we want from the song.


WANLS: What direction do you see the band going in 2010? Any specific plans?

ADA: Touring!! Everywhere.

WANLS: Which do you prefer: studio time/creating new music or touring/live shows?

ADA: Live shows honestly! That's what we work for mainly.

WANLS: Your fantasy show or tour line up?

ADA: Every Time I Die, The Gallows, Norma Jean... and Barbra Streisand

WANLS: Describe what its like to experience your live shows.


ADA: Intense! Its high energy and the music as well as our stage presence makes you jump with it!

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: If it hadn't been for _______, we would have _________.

ADA: If it hadn't been for music we would have a livable wage! Can you spot me a sandwich?

WANLS: Do you have any new music being released soon?

ADA: Yes!! November 28th we release our EP "We Are The Juggernauts".


WANLS: Do you have any upcoming shows?

ADA: We have the EP Release show November 28th at Fitzgerald's in Houston with American Fangs, The Last Place You Look, Peekaboo Theory and Cavernous. We will roll to The Abbey Pub in Katy December 3.


We also are playing a Punk Rock AIDS awareness show call Destroy The Disease on December 6 at The White Swan in Houston.

WANLS: Are there videos to any of your songs?

ADA: We are about to go into production for Horus -vs- The Juggernauts in 2 weeks and we have a gang of live footage at our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/adreamasleep.

WANLS: What's the #1 priority for your band right now?

ADA: Getting things ready for tour and finishing the kicking and screaming EP and our EP Split with Skeleton Dick. "A dream Asleep vs. Skeleton Dick"

WANLS: Plans to tour any time soon?

ADA: January we are off!!! We'll the locals and dates listed soon.

WANLS: Where can we find you on the web?

ADA: www.adreamasleep.com; www.myspace.com/adreamasleep; Facebook; www.twitter.com/adreamasleep; and about another dozen social websites that waist our lives away!!!

WANLS: How can we buy your music?

ADA: At shows and online soon on iTunes and Amazon and all those neat places.


WANLS: How can we contact you for booking?

ADA: booking@adreamasleep.com

WANLS: Fill in the blank: People would never guess that ________________.

ADA: People would never guess that Justin strips part time on the weekends and sometimes on Tuesday.

WANLS: Best thing about being in your band?

ADA: How close we all are. Its like a family. We all get along well.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: one day they're probably gonna name a ________ after our band.

ADA: One day they're probably gonna name a beer or a dildo... or maybe an s.t.d. after our band.

WANLS: Last and most importantly, if you were stranded on a desert island with your band mates, who would go cannibal first?

ADA: Ryan's hungry ass!!!


Yeah, they're cool...admit it...you're a little obsessed now. Find more A Dream Asleep here:
www.adreamasleep.com
www.myspace.com/adreamasleep
www.twitter.com/adreamasleep
or find them on Facebook!

Sierra Says: Thanks again, ADA! I appreciate you guys...see ya Saturday!

Photo Cred: Heather Sterling

You Got a Great Life: On the Road with American Fangs

All things come to an end....sigh. I've had such a great time bringing these tour diaries to you with American Fangs. Now that its over, I'm kinda sad, but look forward to coverage of AF and all their happenings on WANLS. They're good people who make good music and that's what WANLS is all about! Until then, I urge you to visit www.americanfangs.com to purchase their EP. When you go to the site, you can also find links to add them on all of their other homes on the web. AF, you guys rock and WANLS is rolling with ya...keep it up...your fans (including me!) are behind you all the way! Special thanks to Gabe for taking time out of the uber busy tour schedule to answer these questions each week. You guys do Houston proud! Now enough of the mushy stuff...happy reading:)



WANLS: What's the first thing each of you will do when you get back to Texas?

Gabe: In no particular order, but in some sort of sequence: Sleep. Eat. Love. Get back to work.

WANLS: Tell me about the connections AF has made during this tour.

Gabe: We connected with a lot of new friends, fans, beat makers, bands, club owners, promoters, you name it, we met em. I would get specific on a few but i'm pretty superstitious...so don't yell at me for not giving you the deets. :)

WANLS: How does AF plan to optimize the benefits of this experience through those connections?

Gabe: The same way we would optimize NOT having these new and wonderful connections...keep the wheels rolling by keeping our work ethic tip top.

WANLS: Was it weird having me in the green room before you guys went on, knowing my inner journalist was observing and plotting on things to write about? (Lol)

Gabe: Not at all! You're a very nice wallflower to our green room.

WANLS: Why is AF so prone to spitting giant loogies(not sure how to spell that) on each other on stage?

Gabe: That's probably my fault...I salivate...I'm slanging words at a high rate and movement on stage doesnt stop. I don't usually have the time to swallow it, so I spit it. I don't really need it anyway...but sometimes it lands on the fellas...so they return the favor.



WANLS: What else happens on stage that fans may not notice unless you guys point it out?

Gabe: Extended moments of levitation and mind reading.

WANLS: What are you thinking about when you're performing?

Gabe: Between the songs point, the music being drilled through my soul and the onlookers looks....if I remembered to leave more than 3 days of food for my cat back home.

WANLS: What's happening with AF emotionally as the tour approaches its end?

Gabe: The desire to keep the tour going. The stack of bills that wait at home that won't be paid but used for arts and crafts.

WANLS: AF is hitting the ground running with a show shortly after arriving back in Houston. What's it going to feel like to play for a hometown audience after being in all these other cities?

Gabe: Like a family reunion with games such as Jack Apples...where we bob for apples in a bucket of Jack Daniels (sharma) ... some Texas shit.



WANLS: I hear that you and Justin are the ones awake in the van while everyone else is sleeping most times....any sleep prank stories?

Gabe: Justin must have told you that. Justin actually rides in the trailer, so he doesn't know what goes on.

WANLS: Best meal you guys have had on the road?

Gabe: There are some dope sandwich shops around America and Canada...but every meal is the best even if it's made of dog meat.

WANLS: City with the best hospitality?

Gabe: Don't mean to be too neutral, but all the cities were cha cha cha. The venues were rad. Aren't we so easy to please?



WANLS: Favorite show?

Gabe: We're grateful for every opportunity we have to play...but ATL gets down. Chicago gets down. Toronto and Vancouver get down. Cali Gets down. Highly memorable shows.

WANLS: From what I observed, you guys are really well behaved, as in no crazy groupie chicks, no broken bottles in the green room, that type of thing. How does AF stay so focused with free booze, beautiful women and all other distractions constantly present?

Gabe: We don't forget why we're there. And we don't get caught.

WANLS: You guys seem so genuinely nice. Some artists feel the need to create crazy personas or have monstrous egos. What lessons have u learned as a performer about being yourself?

Gabe: At some point or another you will realize you can't be anybody else but you.

WANLS: Worst meal you've had on tour?

Gabe: See question 11.



WANLS: Worst sleeping situation on the road so far?

Gabe: Can I email you the audio i recorded of Jerry snoring every night?

WANLS: Have you guys been writing any new music while you've been on the road?

Gabe: Everyone's got their ideas, but all that takes shape once we get home.

WANLS: Saul Williams is phenomenal....biggest lesson you've soaked up from your interaction with him?

Gabe: "Patience over anxiety.

"

WANLS: If you guys could play in any city you wanted for the final show of the tour, where would that be and how would you envision an amazing finale performance?

Gabe: The tour itself covered soooo much ground. New big city and state every day if not every other day. I recall the guys wanting to go to Miami, we've never been...and as an amazing finale performance, everyone including the audience would be butt naked, of course.

WANLS: What have you guys been listening to on the road?


Gabe: The Bronx...before Justin left that shit in Portland...., Telefon Tel Aviv, Nirvana, Beck, Glassjaw, Silverchair, alot of the tunes we've been gettin ready to perform after this tour.

WANLS: You guys work your merch table yourselves which allows you to come face to face with fans. Any cool/crazy/interesting fan interactions?

Gabe: Lots of intelligent folks. Someone offered me LSD too. Kenyon got a few gals pregnant just by looking at them.

SIERRA SAYS: This is an actual note left for AF by a fan at one of the shows...I'm not making this stuff up...these guys really do rock!



And that's Kenyon below....look at those impregnating eyes! lol:)



WANLS: You guys perform songs that aren't on your EP. Where can fans get that music?

Gabe: AT shows and online.

WANLS: In an earlier post, you told us about Keith and his description of the tour as "EPIC." Would you change or add to that at this point?

Gabe: Bananas.

WANLS: What does the Afro-Punk movement mean to you?

Gabe: It means "Come one, Come all." No division. It being such a unique tour, unique people gravitated towards it.

WANLS: What would you say to those bands that are just starting out and dream of releasing an album and touring like American Fangs?

Gabe: Be ready to work and do it yourself. If you want to wait for anyone else but you to get the ball rollin for your music, you might as well not even pack your bags.

WANLS: Other bands have reached out to me expressing their love for American Fangs. Why is this sense of community present in the Afro-Punk movement lacking in so many other scenes and replaced with every band for themselves style of competition?

Gabe: Competition isn't unhealthy. But maybe Matthew Morgan and his peoples know how to create an atmosphere where a lot of art, not just music, can take place and still have that friendly competition. who knows..it's just plain ol' fun.



WANLS: Any thank you's or shout outs that you guys want to give to ppl who have been instrumental to your success thus far, or who've made this tour what it was?

Gabe: Thanks to Afro-Punk for letting us travel the states nationally and internationally and all the people out there who opened their doors and ears.

Sierra Says: THANKS AGAIN, GUYS!!!!

Entrevista: Mama's Dirty Little Secret

Straight out of Brooklyn, NY, it's Mama's Dirty Little Secret! They rock hard, they rock sexy and I can dig it. I reached out to them and they graciously agreed to answer some questions for WANLS....(thanks guys!)

You're gonna feel alot sexier after you read this:)



WANLS: Tell me the name of your band, how it came about, if you ever went by another name and how you guys formed a band.

The Deacon: We're Mama's Dirty Li'l Secret, here to spread the Universal Truth of Mama - to rock hard, rock sexy! We knew we had to have "Mama" in the name and we've always been pretty dirty and you wouldn't really know that just by looking at us... well, I guess you do now.

Damn: I was tired of the motherfuckin' bullshit. I just wanted to rock and I wanted to find two other motherfuckers to rock with me.

The Monster: We met when we were all abducted by the same mothership.

WANLS: Introduce me to the band members and whether they play/sing/etc.

MDLS: The Deacon - the neon-Romeo (vocals, guitar); The Monster: bass, bg vocals

Damn: drums

WANLS: Throw your sets up! Fill in the blanks: We love living in ______, because ______.

The Deacon: We love living in Brooklyn, because Brooklyn rocks! There's a Brooklyn style, a Brooklyn attitude that says "I do me, you do you and we're cool."

Damn: Brooklyn in the home of the new renaissance being squeezed through the butthole of Hollywood East, that's happening right now.

The Monster: Sin. because we're gonna have hell to pay anyway. And New York because it's the only place you can find a real slice of pizza.

WANLS: Do you guys identify with a particular genre?

The Deacon: soul punk.

Damn: Mama Soul and Papa Punk!

WANLS: What are your musical influences?

The Deacon: The Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, Fishbone, 24/7 Spyz, Lenny Kravitz, B-52s, Nine Inch Nails, The Clash, Seal, Prince. The 80's rule!

Damn: The drummers who really rock my world are dudes who just love their fucking drums. Like they're fucking them. Like John "Johnny Mac" Macaluso, Vinne Paul, Tommy Lee, Billy Cobham, Bobby Rock. I set up the kit like a woman (expressionistic, if you will): cymbals are like the hair, the ass is the bass, the toms are like the titties, and of course the snare is the sweet center.

The Monster: On the bass I have no influences, I only have inspirations.

WANLS: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

The Deacon: soul punk.

The Monster: A little punk, a slice of metal and a dash of soul for flavor.

WANLS:Do you have or are you signed to a record label?

The Deacon: Our own label Shut Your Mouth.

Damn: We're under the corporation of Shut Your Mouth.

The Monster: I don't believe in record labels, that's why we're on our super secret label.

WANLS: What are some of your most memorable shows?

Damn: Any show where people are rocking is a memorable show.

The Monster: I remember this outdoor show we did in Brooklyn, sun shining on my face, motorcycles, chicks...

The Deacon: We try to make every show memorable. Folks put out some effort to go out and expect to be entertained when they see a show. They want to carry the experience with them to tell their friends or coworkers. I'm the exact same when I go to a show; I want to be moved. Make me laugh, cry... make me feel something! So, we keep that in mind for our live shows. And that's what we do, we give you a show.

WANLS: Who writes your music?

MDLS: Damn and I started writing "In Your Mouth" before we unearthed The Monster. But now that it's out, the three of us have been writing together and coming up with some new, fun shit.

WANLS: Tell me about the in-studio/music making process for your band.

The Monster: It's all about intention. You have to know what you idea is and it has to follow through the entire song. My process is... anything; I can write from a drum beat, a melody, sometime it's just a title in my head. The title will give me the intention.

Damn: I'm more in line with how Monster writes. I will write on anything except the guitar. I really love writing on the bass. I'm most inspired by everyday things.

The Deacon: We get all of the songs written and worked out before we hit the studio. Which, for right now, is my laptop and the MDLS headquarters! I actually hate recording. It bores the fuck out of me! Most of the time you're just sitting around waiting. BORING. Although, it beats sitting behind a desk answering emails for some company any fucking day! As for writing, I'm used to sitting in my dimly lit room, my cave, and let the Universe guide the way. I usually write the music first. I just can't write full lyrics without the music. Like a painter, the music is a canvas for me, I need to know the parameters in which I'm working.

WANLS: What direction do you see the band going in 2010? Any specific plans?

The Deacon: We need more wenches.

Damn: Beginning our stride on world domination.

The Monster: (imitating The Brain) Doing the same thing we do every night... trying to take over the world.

WANLS: Which do you prefer: studio time/creating new music or touring/live shows?

Damn: I think that they all feed into each other. You have to share the creation. You have to go from the creating which give Mama her being, her sound. But you have to share it, you can't just keep it locked it up in a room.

The Deacon: 1) creating new music 2) live shows 3) touring 4) studio (blah!)

The Monster: Studio is the lowest. It's all about getting to the live show.

WANLS: Your fantasy show or tour line up?

The Deacon: 10,000 sexy motherfuckers singing "Rock & Roll Whore!"

Damn: Headlining the New Year's Eve world party!

The Monster: No comment.

WANLS: Describe what its like to experience your live shows.

The Deacon: You're going to feel a lot sexier than your friends the next day.

Damn: People come to see MDLS 'cause they know what's up. People come to see a show and we're glad to give it to them.

The Monster: "High energy."

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: If it hadn't been for___, we would have _____.

MDLS: If it hadn't been for A Clockwork Orange, we would have been wearing purple!

WANLS: Do you have any new music being released soon?

Damn: Hell, yeah, it ain't gonna stop. Soon... and after that... and after that.

The Deacon: We just released "In Your Mouth," MDLS' full debut album. And we'll be putting out material frequently in 2010. I absolutely love the fact that we're in complete control of our music; when we release a song, where we release a song, even how we release a song.

WANLS: Do you have any upcoming shows?

Damn: Yes, we do. Come check us out.

The Deacon: December 1, 2009 - 8:30PM @ The Trash Bar (256 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211; 718-599-1000; Cost: $6)

WANLS: Are there videos to any of your songs?

Damn: We got some shit coming for ya.

The Deacon: We're in pre-production.

WANLS: What's the #1 priority for your band right now?

MDSL: To Rock Hard, Rock Sexy!

Damn: ...all over

WANLS: Plans to tour any time soon?

The Deacon: No plans for our own tour, but we'd certainly consider a slot on a cool-ass tour.

WANLS: Where can we find you on the web?

The Deacon: www.MamasDirtyLilSecret.com. Start there and you can get the links to all of our social spaces.

Damn: You can find out what's up!

WANLS: How can we buy your music?

MDLS: CD Baby (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mamasdls)

iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-your-mouth/id339466720)

The Deacon: We're offering singles for the sexy price of .69¢ at CD Baby.

WANLS: How can we contact you for booking?

The Deacon: Booking@MamasDirtyLilSecret.com or call 917.880.8298.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: People would never guess that ___________

The Deacon: I love rescuing wenches from evil at Renaissance Fairs!

The Monster: I boldly walk into women's bathrooms.

Damn: I'd like to make Oprah my cougar wife.

WANLS: Best thing about being in your band?

The Monster: It makes me feel all dirty inside.

Damn: We get to live the vibrations of soul punk.

The Deacon: We get to do whatever the fuck we want!

WANLS: Fill in the blank: one day they're probably gonna name a ________ after our band.

The Deacon: sex toy line

Damn: We'll put KISS to shame.

WANLS: Last and most importantly, if you were stranded on a desert island with your bandmates, who would go cannibal first?

The Monster: (raises hand first)

Damn: Monster would - after 5 hours of rehearsal!

The Deacon: Like in the movie "Alive?" I'd eat Monster's ass to keep me alive for a couple of weeks.



Thanx guys!!!! I appreciate it:)

Now don't you feel dirty after reading that? Take a cold shower and then go join the mailing list on their website: www.MamasDirtyLilSecret.com, so you can stay up to date on all their

OURstory: Pure Hell

OURstory is a new segment on WANLS. In it, I'll be bringing some Black Rock history to you....it's called OURstory because this is OUR story....how we got to where we are today. First up is Pure Hell....in the 70's, they pimped the Punk Rock scene worldwide. This video is a mini documentary introducing you to the band. By the way, these dudes are still around and STILL rocking....with the original members. Now that's cool....

Entrevista: Keelay!!!

There's a clear line in the sand separating those for whom music is merely a pasttime and those who live in the beat. Keelay is without a doubt the team captain of the latter. From bi-coastal beat making to Bay Area record scratching this dude does it all and them some! That certain, undefinable something is hard to name, but you know it when you see it....Keelay, I'm lookin atcha....

WANLS: Tell the beautiful people who you are and what you do:

K: My name is Keelay of Keelay and Zaire and MYX Music Label. I DJ, make beats, sing in the shower and love eggs and garlic rice. Our album is available now called Ridin High, check for it! I work with one of the illest bands in the land named The Park (Sierra says: an interview with The Park will be on WANLS soon...yeee!) so be on the look out for alot of new music we have coming out including an album with the one and only Ragen Fykes. Oh and I love Torta's too. www.thetortaoven.com!

WANLS: What's the last song you listened to?

K: Whitney Houston - How Will I Know


WANLS: What gets you started in the morning?

K: COFFEE..lol. Without my coffee I am useless. My day doesn't even START until my first sip.. Much love to Joe at Nervous Dog coffee

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: If it hadn't been for______, I would have never ________.

K: If it hadn't been for Sean who sat in the front row of Mrs. Brown's class at St. Olaf's, I would have never got that Eazy Does It tape So early. Thanks Sean!

WANLS: What's #1 on your priority list right now?

K: Payin these bills! Really though I have student loans..lol

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: Everybody should listen to ______, because _______.

K: Everybody should listen to Ryan Leslie - Never Gonna Break Up, because
it is a prime example of how current commercial music can still be DOPE. It's musical yet simple, catchy not corny and most of all it will make the ladies dance! That's what we really want...something that can be dope and still keep things movin...lol

WANLS: Fill in the blank: People would never guess that ________.

K: People would never guess that I'm from the mean streets of Kaysville, Utah.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: But as long as I can listen to ______'s music, I know everything will be alright.

K: But as long as I can listen to James Brown's music, I know everything will be alright.

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: I love living in ______ because ________.

K: I love living on Earth because damnit we are the best planet EVER! Shouts to Saturn though for having those fly rings.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: One day they're probably gonna name a ____ after me.

K: One day they're probably gonna name a torta after me.

WANLS: Favorite tour so far?

K: No favorite tours...just favorite NYC! Everytime I go there it's pretty much my favorite spot to be. I get more done there in three days then I do here in a month.. go figure, I guess there's industry out there or something.

WANLS: Fantasy tour lineup/show location?

K: yeeikes.. umm Keelay and The Park with Ragen Fykes alongside .. this question is too hard! lol. All I know is I want Ari Gold as tour manager and Courtney Love as "director of entertainment."

BONUS: Here's a little something your eyes and ears.....


Wanna more? Here ya go:
www.myxmusiclabel.com
www.KeeandZee.com
www.twitter.com/keelay5

PHOTO CRED: The Lovely and Talented Amanda Lopez (http://amandalopezphoto.com
http://amandalopezphoto.blogspot.com)

Thanks Keelay:)

Wam, Bam, Thank You Mam!

I've been working on LOTS of newness for you guys. Since we're rolling into the holiday season, I figured I'd give you a little sneak peek of some of what I'm bringing to you in the next few weeks. Wam, bam, thank you mam...that's what you'll be saying to me, so go ahead...clear your throats and get ready:

A Dream Asleep.....their EP release is November 28th in Houston, TX, but before that, I pick their brains WANLS style:)


Trackademicks makes you believe in hip-hop again....straight out of the Bay Area with his Honor Roll crew, I'll be letting you know what makes this tastemaker tick.


Don't let the cute faces fool ya, sonically, The Bots are everything that their older contemporaries are....if not more! I'll introduce you to the 2 brothers, fresh from sharing the stage with Saul Williams and American Fangs last week in LA!

The Park just has it. I heard them and was speechless. Amazingly talented musicians in the truest sense of all those words! They are constantly playing shows with Ms. Alice Russell or on the road, but I got them to sit down for a sec to answer some questions just for you!


If I could pick out everything I love about music and mash it up into one band, the result would be Peekaboo Theory. I'm not gonna lie, these guys are definitely among my favorite bands ever....you'll see why:)


The Oxymorrons are on the rise! Catch them in the finals for the PacSun Battle of the Bands, but catch them on WANLS as they dish the goods on what's next for the 3-piece rockers.


Ooooh Baby! Hailing from Toronto, the Ooohh Baby Gimme More's make me excited in so many ways! Their music, their energy, their down-to-earthedness (ok, so I made that word up), it's all love with these guys.


OK kids, cover your ears....lol. Gotta love some sexy rock....just makes you feel goooood. Mama's Dirty Little Secret is hot and spicy and they know how to rock it out! I can't wait to hear their dirty little answers to my interview questions;)


Keelay is 1/2 of the dynamic production duo known as Keelay and Zaire. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet Keelay face to face....he's everything that hip-hop stereotypes are not...so happy to bring you his interview....a little slice into the mind of a musical genius!


This is not a game.....this is rebellion! I promised it to you guys and I will honor that promise. Look forward to the complete Game Rebellion piece soon.....


Dion Decibels is truly a gem in the Bay Area's musical crown...whether he's spinning in the hottest venues or on ThinkBeat Radio, he's got the grooves to make the the bodies move (yes, I really did just say that...lol)


Everything about California King makes me smile...I had the audible pleasure of screening their entire album and will be bringing you a review along with their interview.


Uuuuuuuuhhhhhh! Take that!

Love and light....

Patience is a Virtue

Why are they torturing and teasing us???? I respect the creative process though, so for now, here's yet another teaser from the upcoming Nas/Jr. Gong collabo album, Distant Relatives (dedicated to The Continent....Mother Africa, that is):

Is That A...No!...What the?!

This dude is good....


Not exactly what you think - very funny - These bloopers are hilarious

I Want These!!!!!!!

Entrevista: Donwill...1/3 of Tanya Morgan

Brooklyn/Cincinnati based Tanya Morgan is a refreshing dose of everything that is right about hip-hop. As 1/3 of the super trio, Donwill has become known for his witty lyricism and smooth as silk delivery. The college-educated MC/blogger/all around cool cat agreed to let WANLS pick his brain a bit...thanks, D-Dub!

WANLS: What's the last song you listened to?

DW: Drake - Uptown ft Bun B

WANLS: What gets you started in the morning?

DW: My alarm is usually set for 8:45 Mon thru Fri so I'd say that does. But in the more figurative sense, it's just trying to be better...better at what I do and better at who I am.

WANLS: What's #1 on your priority list right now?

DW: My #1 priority is to make money. Period. I need to move...lol


WANLS: Fill in the blanks: Everybody should listen to _(song title)________________, because ______________________.

DW: Everybody should listen to Lil Wayne because he is just fucking insane, in the sense that he says a bunch of really nonsensical funny shit. "and i keep that toaster on me, you can be my streudel bitch"... he said you can be my strudel bitch... lmao wtf smh

WANLS: Fill in the blank: But as long as I can listen to _______________________'s music, I know everything will be alright.

DW: As long as I can listen to Stevie Wonder's music, I know everything will be alright.

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: I love living in ___________________ because______________________.

DW: I love living in Brooklyn because it makes me feel creative and the flights out are cheaper.
WANLS: Fill in the blank: One day they're probably gonna name a _____________________ after me.

DW: One day they are probably gonna name a kid after me.

WANLS: Favorite tour so far?

DW: Any tour that takes me to the West Coast is a favorite...loved goin' out with Hiero tho.

Want more Donwill? Try these:
www.mcdayjob.com
www.twitter.com/donwill
www.myspace.com/donwont
www.last.fm/user/dondub

For more on Tanya Morgan:
www.brooklynati.com
www.twitter.com/tanyamorgan
www.myspace.com/tanyamorgan

In the meantime, wet your whistle with the (very well done) video for Donwill's single, Laura's Song..........yeah, you're welcome;)

Gee-tar!

I'm in the mood to hear some sick guitar playing today. Here's a few folks that come to mind.







Who are some of your favorite guitar players? What are your favorite guitar solos of all time?

Marley and Tosh....

I would've loved to have been a fly on the wall during this rehearsal. RIP to 2 of the greatest...Bob Marley and Peter Tosh...

WIRED News: Google Poised to Become Your Phone Company

Google was once described to me as "where God lives on the internet." They're crushing the competition like that giant rolling stone in Indiana Jones...check this out:
Google Poised to Become Your Phone Company

Posted using ShareThis

You Got a Great Life: On the Road with American Fangs

WANLS: Any favorite moments this past week on or off stage?

Gabe: Throwing up on camera while playing a rock trivia/drinking game against the band The Smyrks and singing Sunday Bloody Sunday with Saul Williams...(i get a lil bashful wtf?!)

WANLS: How does American Fangs pass the time on the road during the between city drives?


Gabe: Jesus! Other than the simple pleasures of reading, talking on the phone and resting between long drives, we're usually buying fireworks and shooting them as we drive threw various towns. We enjoy plastering our stickers all across town. We utilize iphones like crazy by hooking through the AUX patch in our van and pranking any and everyone including gas stations, escort services, "massage parlors", and different clubs. On a more positive note...all of the fuckery tends to happen AFTER we've handled up on our family, music and writing business :)

WANLS: What's a typical day in the life of American Fangs been like this past week?

Gabe: Long fuckin drives. No bathing. Lots of curse words and lots of sweat. It's grind time...we wouldn't have it any other way.

WANLS: Walk us through the last ten minutes before American Fangs goes on stage.

Gabe: Right after we've all done some stretching, guzzling of water and beer, we tend to jump up and down and talk mad shit to each other and in between that I'm usually puking up whatever I ate and/or drank because I get overly excited before shows...to the point of vomit.

WANLS: What have you absorbed from witnessing the AP scene in other cities that you feel could help the scene in Houston (hometown to your truly and American Fangs) to develop?


Gabe: Honestly, if Afro-punk set up a string of TX dates that included Houston, with some great promo, it would be in the bag and I would love to help that become a reality. I'm positive after this tour TX and Houston will see a great Afro-punk festival..show..a fuckin carnival!! The scene in other cities is wonderful...and growing.

WANLS: Anything you guys want to say to the fans who have been writing in about how much they love the tour diary.?

Gabe: Keep showing love. Hit us up online whether you buy our EP or not! Tell your people about us, and more importantly, let us know when and where we can come to YOUR CITY. Let us know whats up in YOUR lives. We want to know, and we want to spread the word for you mutually!


Thanks, Gabe! I look forward to welcoming American Fangs into town along with the rest of the Afro-punk Tour as they make their first Bay Area stop here in San Francisco. If you're in the area, be sure to check out the show tomorrow night, 11/10, at The Independent in SF.

For more on American Fangs: www.americanfangs.com

POW!!!!!!!

"Excuse me while I kiss the sky."

This picture makes me happy:



So does this song:

Happy News

Nope, it's not an oxymoron! I came across Happy News today and it's right up my sunshine-and-unicorns-everybody-smile alley...hehe. Many people dread or altogether avoid watching or reading the news because its always such a downer. While I still appreciate the information (I'd rather be aware if there's a serial killer on the loose in my neighborhood), we could all use a little dose of refreshing GOOD news foor a change. That's what Happy News is all about.Their slogan says it all: "Real News. Compelling Stories. Always Positive." And here's their credo: "We believe virtue, goodwill and heroism are hot news. That's why we bring you up-to-the-minute news, geared to lift spirits and inspire lives. Add in a diverse team of Citizen Journalists reporting positive stories from around the world, and you've got one happy place for news." I can dig it!
Check them out here: http://www.happynews.com

Songspiration!!! MJ: Off the Wall

Happy Friday Beautiful People! Feeling good...feeling GREAT! I hope you are too:) Here's a little songspiration to get you grooving. Whatever you're up against, take it in stride...channel MJ and dance your way through the day!!!



Love and light....

Entrevista: Ramon Wakefield of Peekaboo Theory

Ramon Wakefield, also known as Ramgoat is a founding member of the mega talented Houston, TX based band, Peekaboo Theory. Ramgoat writes and produces much of the band's music, but many don't know that his production credits go much further. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on a solo instrumental album that will showcase his abilities, entitled Fundumbmentally Instrumental. He agreed to let me pick his brain for a bit. Here goes:

WANLS: What's the last song you listened to?

RAMON: Octopus Project "The Adjustor"

WANLS: What gets you started in the morning?

RAMON: A bowl of purp and breakfast.

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: If it hadn't been for __________, I would have _____________.

RAMON: If it hadn't been for Whytecloud (of Peekaboo Theory), I would have murdered 15 people 2day.


WANLS: What's #1 on your priority list right now?

RAMON: Getting my album finished and out in the streets.


WANLS: Fill in the blanks: Everybody should listen to _________ because ________.

RAMON: Everybody should listen to Slave Trade, because we're all victim to it 1 way or the other.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: People would never guess that ___________.

RAMON: People would never guess that I can play over 7 different intruments.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: Ten years ago, I just knew ______________.

RAMON: Ten years ago, I just knew I it would be a struggle to make my mark in this industry.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: But as long as i can listen to __________'s music, I know everything will be alright.

RAMON: But as long as I can listen to Radiohead's music, I know everything will be alright.

WANLS: Fill in the blanks: I love living in ________ because ___________.

RAMON: I love living in Montrose because it's the best town you've never heard of. H-TOWN!.

WANLS: Fill in the blank: One day they're probably gonna name a _______ after me.

RAMON: One day they're probably gonna name a disease after me.

WANLS: Favorite show so far?

RAMON: The '09 Afro-Punk Festival

WANLS: Fantasy tour lineup/show location?

RAMON: Peekaboo Theory/ Red Hot Chili Peppers in Amsterdam



For more on Ramgoat, check him out here: http://www.afropunk.com/profile/RAMGOAT

or with his band, Peekaboo Theory here: http://www.peekabootheory.com

And be on the look out for Fundumbmentally Instrumental...'s gonna be MAJOR!!!!!