CVSW August 2014 by CV WorldWide Magazine

JULY 2014

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Contents... Rock Calendar

Gear the Pros Use: Cover Girl Roni Lee

News You Can Use - Cars: Maintenance Mistakes

Order in the Chaos; Brien DeChristopher’s Music Blog

Las Vegas Nightlife; Kevin Lastovica

News You Can Use - Motorcycles: Money-Saving Maintenance

Common Cent$: Advice for Local Bands

Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

Jamie Paulus Pure Sin Photography, always up for bringing us the BEST, brings us the incredible Rockstar Mayhem Festival, along with a review by Kathleen Clarkson. Page 26

Sherry Keith Mystic Photography in Concert puts you front and center for the Saving Abel show in Vegas. Page 14 CV Southwest Magazine

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Roni Lee emerged from the late seventies Hollywood music scene as lead guitarist for Venus and the Razorblades, in the process laying down the foundation for a brilliant life in rock ‘n’ roll. In her storied career she has worked with and opened for countless artists, including Van Halen, DEVO, Spirit, Loverboy and The Motels, as well as contributed guitar to dozens of recordings, but it’s her new band project that is perhaps the most exciting. Backed by amazing musicians that are over- the top talented and rock solid, more than simply playing the songs, they deliver a performance that will both inspire and uplift, as well as reaffirm that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in the 21st Century. CV SouthWest is honored to have a chance to sit down with a legend of Rock n Roll, a pioneer of female guitarists, and a great lady.

<CV SouthWest> You have been on the scene for quite awhile now, tell us how it began for you. <RL> I have played guitar since I was 15 years old…(born in the mid-50s). I began my career at pretty much the same time as The Runaways. Just after they formed, Kim Fowley was putting together another group called Venus and the Razorblades. I auditioned in a silver lame jumpsuit (given to me by Rick Derringer), with a Marshall stack and a Flying V guitar in an apt. on Gower

Blvd in Hollywood - (Kim insisted I should be playing the moment he walked in) – obviously, I got the job. Prior to the Fowley audition, I was in Nevada working in an all-girl show band called April Ames and the Dames! It was an amazing learning experience for someone my age (17) to work with some very talented jazz/pop female musicians. The keyboardist taught me so much I started as a self-taught kinda "hack" with a ton of desire and drive and came out of it able to read charts, play well with others

(very important in a band) and how to LISTEN (also very important). <CV SouthWest> What was it like being a woman of rock n roll then and what is it like now? <RL>Well, I need a novel but I guess the biggest challenge has always been: belief. Most people, even now in 2014, when I say to someone (especially another, say accomplished musician and usually male), that I am a guitar player; the expectation is that I

strum along to accompany my singing. Even though I tell people I am a guitarist who sings, not the other way around. Then, when they see me play, the reaction is always stunned. That surprises me to this day that the times haven‘t changed that much. <CV SouthWest> What was it like working with Kim Fowley? The video for “I Wanna Be Where the Boys Are” is an amazing video. We notice Kim Fowley is in this video, tell us about that collaboration. We understand you and he co-wrote this song, it was also recorded by the Runaways, tell us about that. <RL>After being hired by Kim for Venus and the Razorblades in 1977, I was asked to write music immediately and quickly. I had never written music before, but met the challenge. In fact, the first song I ever wrote was the song that has been the most successful: ‗I Wanna Be Where the Boys Are‘ which the Runaways also released on their Live in Japan Album and in their recent movie. Kim added some lyrics and the song was born from my angst of being a very young fe-

male guitarist living with three other guitarists (one female) on Gower St in Hollywood. We would go to auditions and get the ―really , you play guitar‖ stare‖. I just wanted to ―Be Where the Boys Were‖… to be accepted. While many others have recorded the song since then, including the most successful version by the Runaways on their Live in Japan as well as the recent movie starring Kristen Stewart, no videos were done except the usual live, kinda crappy shots from the audience. So last year, Kim and I and his videographer, Harold decided to tell the story, and to capture the youthfulness of the song… sort of a passing-of-the-torch if you will. We wanted to convey that the meaning of the song is alive and well as much now as before. A declaration of power… and just a fun kick-ass tune. <CV SouthWest> You have worked with some amazing artists, how have those experiences been? <RL> After Venus and the Razorblades, I played bass guitar for the band Spirit for a short time with Randy California and Ed Cassidy and I also played in a trio at the time with members of Steppenwolf. Later, in Seattle I worked with X-members of Heart, Mike Derosier and Steve Fossen and many others. I have always believed in the idea of playing with people that I perceive are better than me. It gives me a challenge, an incentive to play better and to keep up! Recently, I have added Jennifer Batten from Michael Jackson to some shows occasionally when our schedules permit and she is amazing. Also, my current band

mates are incredible. My usual band from Seattle is a trio featuring the drummer Jeff Kathan (formerly of Paul Rogers) and Lynn Sorensen (formerly of Paul Rogers, Bad Co and currently touring with Heaven and Earth) as well. In San Diego I work with John Thomas on Bass, Karen Thomas on BU vocals and a variety of drummers. I tend to ―pick up‖ bands or musicians when touring mostly due to costs of road trips these days. Times have changed…like all businesses, we have to make the best of the economic times. <CV SouthWest> What were your initial thoughts when you first started music, how did you think you'd fare in a at-the-time “boys only” scene? <RL> Initially, I was like any other young teen who loved rock music, played it all the time, but the difference I guess was, I also dreamed vividly of playing the music. I wasn‘t satisfied with watching a concert, I wanted to be playing the music. I joined a

Toni James

couple of bands, (the ones that would let me play guitar and tolerated my hacking) I got fired from the first few bands – apparently my rule to play with people more talented than me, didn‘t work so well as I was developing but I had no intention of quitting and after joining a show band in Nevada – I really dug in, studied, practiced and came out of that job a guitar player… back to LA and determined to be where the boys were… LOL <CV SouthWest> Who do you count as your musical influences? <RL> Jeff Beck, for sure. It is how I got my first "gig". I had spent countless hours with a record and a stylus learning most of the ‗Blow by Blow‘ album. "Pretty much killed any social life". But I am of the opinion, that it takes that kind of dedication and sacrifice to be a good musician or really good at anything you have a passion for. If it was easy, everyone would do it....this ain't Guitar Hero. Jimmy Page, Brian May, Rick Derrin-

ger…so many great players. Since YouTube wasn‘t around, I went to concerts and watched… even more than listened. Most of these guys have techniques that just blow you away, it‘s difficult

to understand what they can make a guitar do without seeing it in action. That‘s my goal…to make it sing… <CV SouthWest> Have you always wanted to play music, or were there other interests when you were younger? <RL> I have wanted to play since I was very young and it is the driving passion of my life but I also have a degree from San Diego State University in business that I received later in life. I have found that to be very helpful in this biz. The closest to my heart are three beautiful children currently 16, 23 and 34 that I have raised mostly by myself and are probably my greatest accomplishment. They are the reason I backed off touring and aggressively playing for their younger

Eddie Lane

years. I wanted to be with them watch them grow. But I am back full force now that they let me out. :) <CV SouthWest> What do you hope to accomplish with your music, what message do you try to convey? <RL> I founded the record label ―Play Like a Girl Records‖ in the beginning of 2012 when I started releasing some new music. This business has changed so much in relationship to labels and recording, everyone doing their own thing. I wanted to have a label that was more like a co-op. A place to share information like

distribution, promotion social media support etc. To attract attention in a very tongue-in-cheek way, to women in rock music. We at the label say, "it‘s not really the gender, it‘s the attitude". We have featured male artists on the label as well. I wanted to make the phrase "Play Like a Girl" have more of a meaning of strength, conviction, power and Passion!. I would like to contribute to the reconstruction of the

phrase: _______ Like a Girl. I am very motivated to be a part of that movement to show that there is power through music or through anything you are passionate about. The Live show is my most passionate motivation – I absolutely devour the stage. More than recording, the live performance is my love – it‘s where I belong, where the world stops being difficult for about 60-90 minutes. LOL <CV SouthWest> Tell us about who is in the Roni Lee Group with you now. What is it about THIS combination that you think works so well?

<RL> I have so many different projects going right now. Currently, working with a number of the PLAG (play like a girl) artists in rock shows. It is interesting, many promoters won‘t put bands fronted by guitar-slinging women on the same show. Like its some kind of rule – unless is a gimmick thing. So I am currently working on different shows doing just that. I love my usual players I play with but when they are not

available, I reach out to some other amazing players. Every show I do and town I play, I meet new and wonderful people and my first thought is how much I want to climb on stage with them and do some playin‘!! <CV SouthWest> In the end, while all bands WANT to be successful, were you and are you prepared for the success this has and will continue to bring? <RL> Success is an interesting term. It means different things to different people depending on what time of life they are living. Of course, it can mean the obvious and most common: Money and fame. However, it has been my experience that it can also mean doing what you love, being with the people you love and making enough money at it to continue another day. I wouldn‘t say I feel pressure to record. It‘s really enjoyable to create a new piece of music that usually represents some feeling I or someone I love, is feeling at the time and record it. The creative process in the studio is different though. I get input from super talented musicians and producers and together we create something exciting…a different kind of excitement than live. It‘s challenging to create that same stage energy in a little booth staring at a wall. I would say that if I had to pick stage or studio, it would be stage. However, having said that, it is crucial to have recorded music available for fans and friends to take home from the show and buy on-line. When a performance kicks ass, it‘s great to have that recording to play any time and re -live the moment. Music is emotion and can bring us back to

a good time with a click of a button. <CV SouthWest> Where do the lyrics come from for the songs you write, what is your inspiration? <RD> My songs are basically derived from personal experiences. I find most people have the same situations at one time or another and songs about it makes us all feel a little better about tough times or loves that go wrong or fun times!! So my lyrics usually come first – sometimes just and idea of a chorus. I love writing with just me and a drummer…a great beat can inspire me and can make or break a song…the old saying is ―a Band is Only as Good as the Drummer‖…kinda true!! LOL <CV SouthWest> How important is it for fans of the headliner to come early to see the opening band, to support them? <RL> Interesting question… never been asked that before. Today it is not uncommon for there

to be many ―opening‖ acts before a headliner. Those openers are asked to sell tickets – often required to sell a certain amount or make up the difference in order to ―subsidize‖ or basically earn their way into the show I guess? A lot of times, that backfires… those bands bring in their fans, they stay for only them and leave.. Sometimes it‘s the ―headliner‖ that suffers. It‘s my opinion that this ―trend‖ in live performing robs the fans and the public. The shows are not put together with the goal of a great, entraining evening but rather, all about the cash…kinda sad. Not everyone does it that way but enough to be a real problem. I always encourage people to go out, see live music, support their favorites but many times, you will discover some amazing music by coming early and staying late!!

most of my music at my shows along with t-shirts, posters etc. Many times that is the only form of income I have for the night to pay the band, gas etc.. We try to keep the prices down but a girls gotta make a livin‘!! Of course, prior to the internet and when the labels were prolific and very involved in the artists development, it was a very different environment. When a band was signed, usually an Artist and Repertoire individual was ―assigned‖ to you to help with your sound, your image. etc. Some bands were more inclined to take the advice. One band that I played with many times in LA, stayed very true to their image even though they were a bit out of sync with what was popular at the time. They stuck to their guns, their music and their look. Apparently, that worked pretty well…congrats to Eddie Van Halen and the boys!!

<CV SouthWest> Let’s talk about the music industry today…and social media…music distribution is much different now, do you see that as progress? The ability to market/sell individual songs, does that benefit the industry as a whole? <RL> It‘s a very exciting time because very high-quality recordings can be done in your living room, no longer requiring those super expensive studios etc. also, you can sell on your own to outlets like iTunes, CD baby etc. So that‘s all good. The down side is that everyone can do it. Music is available everywhere for free usually on line (including YouTube). Video and audio productions are still pretty costly, and it‘s becoming increasingly difficult to receive payment or to sell. I sell

<CV SouthWest> Ok then, Social Media platforms…savvy PR tools or necessary evil? <RL> The musician‘s love/hate

the whole world, it‘s a small sampling, AND most of the people who actually interact with you and that really care about hearing from you are a very small percentage of that sampling…so don‘t get hung up in it and please don‘t believe everything you read or see ….!

Cherie Currie

relationship with social media ugh. Just recently I was involved in a music video for Joan Jett‘s song TMI. About social media and the harm it can cause – using zombies to show the level of distraction on our devices. I have two rules for everything I put out in the universe on social media

sites. 1. Use it to promote my music. 2. Say nice things about people or shut up. That‘s it… Most of it is really just a big shampoo commercial. I will offer this piece of advice to musicians or anyone else for that matter who are using any social media outlets. Remember that it‘s not

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The NW is RICH in talent and that talent NEEDS to be heard!

<CV SouthWest> How much as the Music Industry changed from when you first started? <RL> Rock as I define it is: Power, expression, emotion…. Led Zepplin…J It seems to me music has blended a bit. There is rock pop, county rock, jazz fusion (with rock). Rock gives it the passion, the drive and the power. But blues is the backbone...even though I am not a hard-core blues player, I would be wrong in thinking that is isn‘t in my roots. It is also important to note that the Bieber‘s of now, were the Da-

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vy Jones of my day. There will always be teen idols…those idols many times spark a love for music that may not have happened without a thrilling, screaming moment in a crowded arena. Music has cycled back many times to the roots, and I think that will continue as long as there are fans that keep supporting the musicians that keep coming back. Rock is not going anywhere. Artists like P!nk are a good example of pop cross-over music…doesn‘t bother me at all – it‘s part of the process. It depends on where you are on the time-line though. If your band is hard rock, say in 1979 and disco happens…ummm that can be a super bummer. But there are many ways to stay on the top of that. Rod Stewart and the Stones are good examples… they moved with the times with songs that reflected the demands of the public but I believe stayed true to their style and core. ‗Like Do Ya Think I‘m Sexy‘, ‗Miss You‘… etc.

Teri Beede

ceased…Johnny Winter. Watching him was amazing…he spent his life where he wanted to be, doing what he loved. That is success.

people (mostly women but not always) tell me that they were very inspired and encouraged by the show. They felt empowered…I love that - I feel that I have done more than entertain, I <CV SouthWest> What is it have encouraged someone maybe about your music that you feel to step out. That dreams can be lived (corny but true). appeals to fans? <RL> I think my appeal is that, me and the people I play with <CV SouthWest> Do any of give everything at every show. I your songs speak to you on a don‘t pretend to enjoy myself, deep personal level? nothing cheesy or planned. I <RL> One of the songs that <CV SouthWest> Do you have have an experience with the audi- speaks to me and sort of sums up a favorite place to play? Have ence. We have an experience to- my attitude about life is ‗One you had any particularly memo- gether. Many times I have had More Chance‘. Originally it was rable shows to date? Why was it Strayshots memorable; good OR bad. <RL> I would not say I have a favorite play to play – anywhere the crowd is excited to be there, rockin‘ out, is what every performer loves. One of my favorite shows is Daryl‘s House, where Daryl Hall is just playing with great players in his living room (yes, very produced but still awesome). Or a stadium in front of 10,000 screaming fans. All good for the performer junkie… however, one of my favorite recent shows was opening for the recently and suddenly de-

the more obscure musicians and singers out there that were amazing but never really got their due. One singer is Eva Cassidy – died young from cancer but what a talent. When I want to relax, Eva gets me there.

written with an up-beat Elvis Costello beat but I re-wrote it recently in collaboration with Laurie Lewis who played with the Mamas and the Papa and is excellent at arranging. The song is more than a love song about taking another romantic chance but also about grabbing the moments offered in life, and taking them before the chance passes by…ya gotta do it. I am constantly moving forward, trying different projects, meeting other players, experiencing the creative process. I do have a rule though, I really try to prioritize my time and use it as productively as possible. Keeping in mind, I can‘t get more time and I don‘t want to get distracted by projects that are not a good fit for me. Most of my growth as a musician and as a person is that I know my goals. Immediate, short and long term and I do my best to stick to them.

<CV SouthWest> Who are your endorsers? <RL> In 2011 I was thrilled to receive a Paul Reed Smith guitar endorsement and last year I was invited into the Soldano Amps family. PRS and Soldano loves women guitar players!! I use the Shure guitar wireless system (kicks ass) – my pedals are simple: a Chorus, a Delay (Carbon most do, just a thought and a copy), and an overdrive (which I lark. I found that in my travels, I don‘t use often cuz my amp is so have met so many talented wom- awesome). en players and singers and I really wanted a platform to show <CV SouthWest> Okay, what’s them off! So we have incorpo- in store for the remainder of rated the productions under the 2014? What other big projects ‗Play Like a Girl‘ umbrella for all are in the works? kinds of different shows, events <RL> Currently, I am working and fundraisers. Recently, I have on some new songs and videos in been working with the amazing the studio and with RSV producLas Vegas talent Leona X tions for my music and for others (guitarist and front woman)…we on our label. I also just finished a are booking some upcoming video for Joan Jett and her song events in the Vegas area. <NOTE: for CV NorthWest‘s feature interview with Leona X, see our March 2014 issue).

<CV SouthWest> What other bands do you listen to during downtime and relaxation? <RL> Besides the usual amazing founders of rock; Zeppelin, The Who, Black Sabbath, Rick Derringer, Stones? I am a secret lover of country music – all kinds <CV SouthWest> Tell us about (except the real pop stuff). I love the Sirens Of Rock, what was the way country music can tell a the catalyst behind it? story. I Love, Love Elvis Presley. <RL> This project began like And I also really enjoy finding

Brick by Brick

TMI on generotv.com also produced by RSV productions. As I mentioned, it‘s a very fun project and commentary on the incorrect use of social media. In the short term, I am looking forward to another short tour in the Midwest where I work with Jeff Kathan and Lynn Sorensen at the end of September, then more shows in So-Cal and Vegas. Back to the Northwest in December – but the Portland area where I will join other musicians for some fun Christmas events. My calendar can be found on www.ronileegroup.com. The other plans are to head to Europe as soon as possible where the appreciation for music is rampant. I actually really would love to play guitar for someone on tour a la Orianthi and others that fill in on tours. What a great opportunity to meet new people, play some music new to me. Sounds so exciting – so if you are a touring band, hit me up!! You never know… J In 3-5 years, if I am still on the planet, I will be rocking… <CV SouthWest> If you could give any advice to the young women out there wanting to start out, what would it be? <RL> My Advice to both blossoming artists and those who want to get back to it…

Teri Beede

Eddie Lane

It would be wrong to say that everyone with a dream should pursue it no matter what, I am too much of a pragmatist for that sort of thing. However, when you are young and before you have really developed your talent, you don‘t want that to stop you even though you might not be accepted right away. If you are driven, you have the support of people you respect around you that you should push on!! Don‘t let people pigeon-hole based on your gender or whatever. BUT, and this is tough, music as a life-long career is not for everyone. If you have put in a decent amount of time, and you are not collecting fans and support… may be time to learn a trade and keep music as something you enjoy to relax, etc, but maybe not a career. Just gotta be real. Many people love

music and there are many ways to express it. If you are coming back to a career, that can be really tough too. But at least we have the experience and the reality of what we are getting into. I would say that you have a calling for music and if after knowing all the heartbreak of the biz and you do it anyway, you are a lifer! Ha…I fall into that category. My career took a hiatus for the sake of my kids and I have no regrets but now I am back and I am busting ass. <CV SouthWest> Any final words you would like to convey to your fans? <RL> My biggest piece of advice…: Be Good to Each Other… Pay the Good Forward.

Gear the Pros Use! Roni Lee

I have never had a fascination with gear. I don’t have tons of guitars and amps and pedals from experimenting. I am a simple girl and my gear is the same. I love the raw sound of a great tube amp and an even greater guitar. In a rock trio, your guitar has to fill the space and for me, have a great bottom end as well but still cut through on solos. I think I have achieved a pretty-close-to-perfect set up for that. I do mess around with a new pedal once in awhile but only because I have heard someone else’s tone and I become curious… but usually revert back to my original set-up I have used since the 70s. Guitar: I do love a good Les Paul and I spent many years with my beloved Standard Gold Top however, sometime around 2006, I purchased what I thought would be a good 2 nd guitar and have not put it down since. My PRS Custom 22. (Paul Reed Smith) I am now a PRS artist and you can find me on their site along with some amazing players that I feel privileged to share an instrument of this quality with. I use the PRS 57/08 pickups and have recently sent the “baby” back to the PRS shop for some TLC. Somehow they made it play even better. Like Butter…. Guitar Effects: MXR Carbon Copy Delay (ran direct through the effects loop behind the back of the amp), On my pedal board I keep it simple: A Boss Super Overdrive 1, a Boss CH3 Chorus and I use the Shure Guitar Wireless system which is my newest awesome product!! I love that thing…it doubles as a tuner on the pedal board. Amp: Soldano Hot Rod 100 is the newest addition actually (besides the wireless system). I have always, always played a JCM 2000 Marshall 100 watt until last year when Mike Soldano and I re-kindled a friendship from 3 decades ago. He asked if I had played his 100 watt and what I liked in an amp. My response: a two channel (overdrive and clean) amp with bass, mid and treble ajes, great deep low end but a crunch that kills. Mike is a sweetheart, he knew exactly what I was looking for and within a week, I was playing what I truly believe is the best rock amp on the planet. I do still use my favorite cabinet which is a 2-12 Orange with celestians. Sometimes I use a couple of em… Orange cabs resonate perfectly, are well suited with Soldano and they are pretty.. LOL Strings: I use Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky which are 9,11,16,26,36,46. Light top, heavy bottom – perfect for the trio stuff. Picks: Whatever I can find in my purse…usually a medium nylon is best – they last a bit longer. Cables: I abuse guitar chords like crazy. Don’t really know why, maybe I never learned to wrap them correctly but its on my bucket list of things to be better at… - I usually buy the monster cables or similar high-quality. A cheap, noisy cable can ruin your day. That is how I roll with the gear situation. I do have a couple of guys on my team that make sure it all works when it is supposed to, Guy, Gawain, Eric and Scott – Thanks boys.! Roni

Top 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes Some simple tips to save money and add life to your ride. Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.

Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation Tires leak naturally and need the occasional check. Figuratively speaking, underinflated tires suck up gasoline. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren't going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year? Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Your owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Wiper Tales Here's a news flash: It's much easier to avoid hitCuriously, many people haven't adjusted their ting things you can see. Simple as it is, that's the thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance concept behind replacing your windshield wipers schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily before they fossilize into noisy uselessness. drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change. Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive. Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that details that vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may be an annual affair in the Southwest to a biannual chore in northern climes. Tune-Up Anachronism There are no more "tune-ups." Valves no longer

need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that's left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don't change parts just to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement. Octane Overdose "If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits. Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire. Oil Change Timing Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated fuzz from record player needles or defrosting freezers. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when granddad says it's time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

can read the date code stamped into the sidewall. Dirty Air Filter Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy for the same reason you don't like to run with a potato in your mouth. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of small-town errand running and church duty, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or just looking at a dirt road on a map are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for. Ignoring Your Brakes Note to the Wandering Unconscious: If you notice anything different about your brakes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sound, feel or response â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they are telling you to visit a mechanic. Now. Tighten Your Gas Cap Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car's diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system's venting arrangement.

The Garage Is for Parking Let's review. Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you're paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes, Tired Tires broken skateboards and plastic holiday wreaths in Tires wear out, but they also time out. The tire in- the garage? Pitch that junk and get the car in the dustry says tires are toast after five years, but they're selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. There's little argument from any pundits that after seven years those black donuts are dried and better off holding down a farmer's tarp than carrying your family around. If you're not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop

Order in the Chaos Helpful Guitar Tip #8 - Being Prepared for the Studio

s musicians, one thing remains inherently constant... our severe desire to immortalize our music in recorded form.

This still remains true. We can spend YEARS writing one song. And when we feel it is ready, we record it and share it, and hope that others recognize our efforts and dig what we've done as much or more than we do. But, studio time can be a fearful experience for some, or an event that just plain ELUDES others. But, regardless of when you go into the studio one thing remains honest, and that is that if you are not prepared mentally, physically, technically, and musically, it will reveal itself in the final product. And sometimes it can be a really good thing... or a really BAD thing. Whenever I go into the studio, I always try to make certain I am prepared in every way that can be affected by the time there. I check my amp (s), restring my guitars, check all my cables, mics, pedals, etc. And most importantly, I check that I am 100% satisfied with my parts (even though I embellish those parts substantially during tracking). Because one of the worst things you can do is show up unprepared. And, one thing that completely drives me nuts is to spend time and money on the studio only to learn somebody ELSE is unprepared. My advice is to spend as much time with your band-mates as possible and work out every section of every song you intend to record from top to bottom. Study the tracks, tear them apart, work them out, and sometimes you may even have re-write or re-structure some parts. That is totally normal. I like to write a song, get it tight with my band, and then start tearing it apart and fix it. Then, get it tight again. But, often, in my mind a song is not 100% complete until it is tracked. But I refuse to go in without a clear and concise idea of what it is I intend to achieve. I have even been referred to as a one-pass-tracker because I am so prepared that I can track my rhythm guitars in one take. That is not to say I do not have to go back and replace a phrase or a small section to remove fret-buzz or a missed timing structure... it happens. But, more often than not, I can lay them down quickly and solidly. And, not everyone can do that. The thing is, the studio is expensive. And, the less time you spend proving to everyone else that you don't know your parts properly can save you a lot more than money if you don't have to look for another band. That all being said, Let me give a piece of advice... make certain each member knows their parts.

That all being said, Let me give a piece of advice... make certain each member knows their parts. That is what rehearsal time is for. You should never use studio time to write your parts unless that is the Producer's desire... and if you are Korn. If you have only one member who uses that time to write their parts, they are wasting your money, and your time. Not to mention, it really should concern you in just WHAT they have been doing during rehearsal if not toning-up their parts and writing them into at least a close-to-final form. Additionally, all that time rehearsing will also sure up your inter-band relationships enough to soften the impact of the emotions that most certainly WILL come out during the tracking process. Because recording isn't easy... it involves impeccable timing, surety in your parts, and consistency you never thought about before. So, make sure your beats are solid, your rhythm section is true and in the pocket, your guitar parts are squared away, and your lyrics and melodies are WRITTEN. Tailoring the parts and double-tracking can come later. But, the main shell of the song should be DONE and ready to go before you even step into the control room. Brien DeChristopher is the guitarist and primary songwriter for Seattle Seale-based hard rock band "Agents Of Chaos". He has played in numerous live and recording bands over the years where he has logged countless hours on stage in live performance, and studio recording time. You can see this and other Pearls of Wisdom online at http://www.blogster.com/briendechristopher/

July is already gone and we've seen Guns N Roses come and go, KISS anounce their Residency coming in a few months and a shitload of big shows for the Local Bands to interweave between to get their shows booked. Smashing Alice took over the Viny'l stage at Hard Rock following The Joint's full house for Chevelle. It was near capacity as Chevelle fans left one rocking show and found themselves immediate upon another. The SA boys Brought It, as usual, and kept the full house rocking until well after 2am. The following weekend, they were back on the Vamp‘d stage, with 'First Class Trash' and 'P.A.I.D.' The Sin City Sinners continue to live up to their reputation as the 'hardest working band in Vegas', playing anywhere and everywhere it seems, although something is definitely missing without Zach up front. Not that they aren't a great band with the current members, but trying to replace a talent like Zach is like trying to replace Todd, you just cant do it. JP Michaels brought the 'Vinyl Tattoo' crew back to the Vamp‘d stage for some hard rockin and of course, they did not disappoint. When these guys get together, it is never a disappointment as they bring it hard every single time. There is no substitute for the loud, hard rocking sound and stage presence of these guys. If you haven't caught one of their shows, you are definitely missing out. When you can find a Hump-Day show that is worth getting out in the heat for, it makes the week go a lot faster. Tinnitus did just that, bringing their outrageously hard rocking show to the Vampd stage for a Wednesday night of debauchery. With the highly talented lineup, they never disappoint. Outta The Black brought some Shock & Awe to the Vamp‘d Regulars with the Vegas Vocal Goddess, Cian Coey fronting the lineup for the night. Cian's unmatched energy and vocal range, brought the house down, blasting out Queensryche verses that would make any Geoff Tate fan shaking from amazement. This was one of the most unique sounding performances to grace the Vamp‘d stage.

The 'Sin City Showcase' brought a group of bands back to Tommy Rockers for a Battle of the Bands type of competition. Its good to see some up and coming bands trying to make a name for themselves. Tommy Rocker has always supported the local music scene, being a Musician himself.

Johnny Roxx (right) brought Animal and the boys down to Hammer's in Henderson for a little Birthday Show for Front Man David Lee Williams. A decent little Sports Bar way down in Henderson that a lot of the local bands seem to have gone through. Davy-O is getting the band 'Forget To Remember' out and about a little more frequently. Hitting both Bounty Hunter's in the south land as well as hitting up Hennessey's down on Fremont Street. These guys are a definite must see, specially if you dont want to venture out far and want to just kick back and rock out in a corner bar. Trying to get out to some more shows as the summer tears into monsoon season, isn't tops on everyone's list but the more information on shows that is sent my way or requests for show shoots, the better the chances are to appear in this magazine. So everyone make sure to send your events my way and let me know if you would like some shots of your shows. Until next month, Rock On!

Charlie Drown is an enigmatic force using sexuality, violence, passion, love and magic in equal measure to craft a unique vision. Straddling brutality and frailty with ease and effortlessly encompassing the feminine and masculine of music. The music of Charlie Drown, while undoubtedly infectious, is difficult to term, largely due to Charlie's broad spectrum of influences. “I have no sympathy, only solutions. Infamous. Mysterious. One of a Kind. I Listen and Watch. Aloof and out of Touch. I am not the rose I am the stem.” CVNW stands in her presence...and are drawn into her soul.

<CV NorthWest> Tell our readers who's in the band and their role. <CD> I am a solo artist so I have never had a band in a traditional sense. I play with amazing musicians that turn into very supportive family members.

you'd fare in a pretty high quality music market? <CD> It started as a form of performance for me. A way to bring the music I was writing to a venue. I had to find people for studio stuff, so it just seemed natural to venture out to do shows. I actually never wanted to compete with the high quality music market considering most of what that was <CV NorthWest> You have been in the Taco- where I was at the time was Alanis or Nickleback. ma/Seattle seen for awhile. Tell us about the beginning, who founded the band, what was the catalyst behind it? <CD> True, I have been out this way about 10 years or more. However, I started this project in Vancouver, BC a few years before I left Canada. <CV NorthWest> Talk to us about the journey to find the right combination of musicians … <CD> I have been extremely fortunate… One day I opened a Genie bottle and made the wish for great players. Now I always have them at my beck and call. Perhaps, also I have tried extremely hard to be fair and reliable for them. That helps. <CV NorthWest> Who do you count as your musical influences? <CD> I cannot speak for everyone I have ever played with, but my influences are actually horror movie based…not so much music artists. I like to pretend each of my songs is its own little scene in a horror movie. However, if I had to name one per<CV NorthWest> What were your initial son… It would be Rob Zombie…. I know it is an thoughts on creating the band, how did you think odd choice as I can be just as pretentious as any <CV NorthWest> Tell us about the name, where did it come from? <CD> A derivative of Charleyna Von Drown? A chicken or the egg type of thing or an emo version of Charlie Brown. I can‘t remember hahaha

any dude in any metal band. If not more!!! <CV NorthWest> What motivates you to keep improving, to keep expanding your horizons as musicians and a band? <CD>Just the sheer fact that I am an entertainer is motivation enough. I wake up every single day and I know who the f**k I am and what I have to do. Write, record, play! And better than the last… <CV NorthWest> What is it about THIS combination that you think works so well? <CD> My current combination is Donnie Awesome, Hodgy and Cinder Black. We work well because we are no longer narcissistic children stepping on to the stage for the first time. And it helps when you own their souls. hahaha <CV NorthWest> In the end, while all bands WANT to be successful, are you prepared for the success this will bring? <CD> I feel I have all ready had my successes… and I absolutely love it, my fans and all the wonderful people I have met along the way has been good enough for me.

electronic artist, but he is fun, hooky and creepy all in one ass shaking chorus and I respect his ability to continuously keep that going and working for him. <CV NorthWest> Have you always wanted to play music, or were there other interests when you were younger? <CD> I wish there was something else! But no, sadly I am stuck in this black abyss of music forever. I own a curio shop and music studio, I train dogs and record myself as well as other projects. And I never saw those things coming… <CV NorthWest> What do you hope to accomplish with your music, what message do you try to convey? <CD> I think and I hope the message I have conveyed is that women are powerful, we rock and the right woman can and will kick just as much ass as

<CV NorthWest> What kind of pressure do you feel, if any, to produce a successful record? <CD> It is and always will be an enormous pressure. I am a perfectionist so they take me longer than most, but I can always guarantee that mine will be better and sell better than most of the people I play with. And that is not to put down anyone at all, I love what I hear and see from most of y‘all. It is just that I can really believe in and push myself above most of the original artists at my lev-

band, to support them? <CD> Very important! Just as important as it is for the booking agent or bands to choose wonderful opening acts! <CV NorthWest> Let’s talk about the music industry today…and social media…music distribution is much different now, do you see that as progress? The ability to market/sell individual songs, does that benefit the industry as a whole? <CD> Absolutely… I have flourished silently throughout these changes. Selling my stuff is easy enough. <CV NorthWest> Social Media platforms… savvy PR tools or necessary evil? <CD> Awesome as hell! They are interactive websites if used properly. <CV NorthWest> Today, the music world is dominated by the Cyrus’ (and her tongue) and the Biebers…never one to shy away from controversial questions, do you think Rock has to climb to the forefront again? <CD> Not at that level….if you want 15 minutes…and for your public life to end as a reality show train wreck. Metal, rock and any underground has a place of its own now. <CV NorthWest> Is it hard to look at that and stay true to your core sound? Or do you think el. Cunty…I know. they will all fade away and it’ll be back to old <CV NorthWest> How will you decide which fashioned ass kicking rock again? <CD> Everything fades. songs to release as singles? <CD> I release all my songs as singles nowadays…we are in the times of the one track…one <CV NorthWest> Do you guys have a favorite place to play? track mind. Everything in music has changed. <CD> Uncle Sams in Tacoma and The Hop in <CV NorthWest> Where do the lyrics come from for the songs you write, what is your inspiration? <CD> I literally live In an old and enormous Knights Of Pythious building with open spirit boards, really old things and I experiment with allowing spirits to pass through and show me stories or feelings…I have always had the ability to know a ghost. So sometimes it is that, other times I am making a literal diary entry. <CV NorthWest> How important is it for fans of the headliner to come early to see the opening

Spokane. <CV NorthWest> Have you had any particularly memorable shows to date? Why was it memorable; good OR bad. <CD> Actually no…the live show aspect of music has been horrible lately. Nothing to speak of good or bad. <CV NorthWest> What is it about your music that you feel appeals to fans? <CD> I try not to think about that so I don‘t know. <CV NorthWest> What can fans expect to see at a show? <CD> A girl who loves to be on a stage!!! And a couple of others… haha A bad ass band that gets down and has a f**kload of fun doing it! <CV NorthWest> Do any of your songs speak to you on a deep personal level? <CD> Of course! A rule I have is to never shatter the illusion and meaning for others so I do not speak of them very often. However…‗Twilight Decay‘…as a musical piece, while writing, it was an extremely dark spiritual moment for me. One I <CV NorthWest> What other bands do you guys will never forget. listen to during downtime and relaxation? <CD> Zappa, NIN, Bowie, lots of Zydeco, old <CV NorthWest> How have you guys grown as electronic stuff, blues, classic rock. A bit of everya band and as musicians? thing. And GoldFrapp… I love her! <CD> Everyone does the longer they do something… we hope. ;) <CV NorthWest> Where do you see the band in 3-5 years? Idealistic and realistic? <CV NorthWest> Where do you think you are in <CD> I am seriously considering a move to Florithe journey of Charlie Drown? da or Louisiana. <CD> UnKnown <CV NorthWest> What are your plans as far as touring, anything in the works? <CD> No, but I will have some news soon. <CV NorthWest> Okay, what’s in store for the remainder of 2014? What other big projects are in the works? <CD> release a new album and some new videos of some older stuff as well as new. <CV NorthWest> Any final words you would like to convey to your fans? <CD>Be well and stay scary. Sherry Keith for CVNW

The 7th Annual Rockstar Mayhem Festival hit Auburn WA, White River Amphitheater July 8th, their 3rd date of their summer long tour - early enough into the tour that every band still had all the raw energy to unleash power of pure unadulterated rock into the souls of all who attended. White River Amphitheater is a great venue for a festival as it has the capability to spread out the stages, giving the bands adequate space to sell their merch, room for 18,000 plus people, and not to mention lots of beer gardens. Victory Records Stage kicked it off with Erimha; they state they are ―Overflowing with dramatic power, dark melodies, and grim grandeur‖ they certainly displayed that with their epic performance. Islander just released their album ‗Violence and Destruction‘ the same day. The wretched, death metal band came out hard and solid in the midday heat with the already melted faces of the moshers continuing to mosh, none of them seemed to be bothered by the 90 plus degree temperatures. Ill Nino, a Latin metal band that has been around for 13 years stirred it up with many of their songs from various albums. Emmure, hard rock group of 5 guys from Queens, NY closed the Victory stage. Sumerian stage turned up the already hot 90 degree heat with Upon a Burning Body. The hot sweaty moshers did not seem to mind the sun blazing down on them as they were moshing into each other. Veil of Maya hit the stage in the hottest part of the day. The lead singer growled each song from deep down in the dark depths of his stomach. Darkest Hour gave it their all, 30 minutes of adrenaline fueled rock. Last on Sumerian stage was Body Count Featuring Ice T. This was one band many were looking forward to seeing. The energy that Ice T put out electrified all young and old. It was a performance no one will forget. They played songs of old, the notorious ‗Cop Killer‘ and new ‗Talk Shit, Get Shot‘ the band playing as if they were the young ones

of 20 years ago, and even added Ice T‘s son which was a nice addition. It was a great way to end the bands of the Sumerian stage. The Coldcock Stage was set side by side with the Sumerian stage and rotated bands so the crowd had no wait in-between the bands, they could just mosh 5 feet over to the next stage for the next ground shaking get your ass kicked set. King 810 came with their own armed guards, upfront and erect standing diligent over the crowd. Big Daddy Rich enjoyed the THC in the Washington air with the rest of the guys in Texas Hippie Coalition. The crowd enjoyed rocking out to ‗Pissed Off and Mad About It‘ and new one ‗El Diablo Rojo‘. Mushroomhead in their notorious masks whipped out ‗Our Apologies‘ and their new song ‘We Are The Truth‘ with Jackie Laponza of Unsaid Fate. Miss May I, a group of young men loaded with massive amounts of energy led by front man Levi Benton played ‗Day By Day‘ and ‗Hey Mister‘ even taking his energy into the crowd. Suicide Silence is no stranger to the world of deathcore metal they are a household name in the homes of most metal heads. On stage they brought it, new vocalist Eddie Hermida, opening with ‗Unanswered‘ and playing their new track ‗You Can‘t Stop Me‘ from their 4 th album with same title to be released later this month. Cannibal Corpse an old school metal band closed the Coldcock stage gearing everyone up for main stage. Their set list included ‗Hammer Smashed Face‘‘ and ‗Make Them Suffer‘ ‘Eviceration Plague‘ and ‗I Cum Blood‘. Rockstar Mayhem Festival mainstage kicked off at about 6:30 with Trivium, setting the tone for the rest of the nights mayhem. Matt Heafy, lead vocals and guitar, sang with a spiritually electrifying voice that tantalized all of your senses. The four members gave the awaiting bands on mainstage the proper introduction they deserved. Asking Alexandria direct support for Korn...did they have what it would take to demand the crowd‘s attention. They certainly did! They came out hard, not stopping, it was if they knew they had to keep the crowd focused and keep them rocking. Danny Worsnop vocals did demand the attention and the crowd gave it to them. Korn came out fully loaded playing hit after hit after hit, which was exactly what all the crazy mayhem fanatics wanted. Korn always keeps it simple only the shiny chromed mic stand as a prop. Within seconds of being on stage Jonathan Davis, wearing all black not his usual ADIDAS attire, starts with

‗Fallen Away From Me‘, each song rolled into the next: ‗Freak On a Leash‘ ‗Never Never‘ ‗Spike In My Veins‘ ‗Coming Undone‘ among many others. Ray Luzier solidified his mastered drum skills yet again and for many this was the first time seeing former member Head, Brian Welch back with Korn. Heads return has made Korn complete again. They had the solid sound, mesmerizing vocals, and the overall Korn uniqueness and certainly one of the best performances of Mayhem. Headliners, Avenged Sevenfold, came complete with the skeleton king and LED Stone like entrances that displayed various images throughout the performance and enough Pyro to ignite a NASA rocket. A7X kicked it all off with ‗Shepards Of Fire‘ this was all it took to put the crowd into a complete and total mayhem frenzy. M Shadows delivered everything he had throughout the entire performance. Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates revealed the crowed with their beyond amazing guitar skills. Johnny Christ, the master on bass and was full of energy. New comer Arin Ilejay, drummer, sat behind the massive drum set pounding away at the drums keeping the beat the entire set. The crowd sang every lyric to ‗Hail To The King‘. They continued the set with many other A7X songs, including ‗Nightmare‘, ‗Bat Country‘, ‗Seize The Day‘ ‗Critically Acclaimed‘, ‗Afterlife‘ ‗This Means War‘, ‗Buried Alive‘, and ‗A Little Piece Of Heaven‘. They properly ended Rockstar Mayhem Festival with ‗Unholy Confessions‘, a perfect way to end the mayhem. Everyone will be looking forward to next year‘s Rockstar Mayhem Festival, however it may be hard to match this year‘s lineup. Kathleen Clarkson

Save money maintaining your motorcycle from WhyBikecom While the old adage "if it ain't broke, don‘t fix it holds, it‘s the thorough checking that it ain‘t broke that counts. Many modern bikes have very long service intervals, and are vastly more reliable than machines of the past. But don‘t let this make you complacent, regular checks are essential to the well-being of your bike and yourself.

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Doing the simple work yourself not only keeps your bike running well and safely, it saves you money - especially if you choose pattern service parts as an alternative to their hard to get and expensive Genuine counterparts. Often made in same factory as the originals, pattern service parts are generally as good as or better than original equipment. While these recommendations are applicable to most motorcycles, always check manufacturers recommendations for correct service intervals for your machine. Daily checks  Lights, indicators and horn  Speedometer

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Weekly or 200 miles (whichever is sooner)  All the above, plus:  Check oil level - does it require toppingup?  Check tire pressure - check with an accurate gauge

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Tires and tire pressures - valve caps that indicate correct pressures are available Fluid levels - oil and coolant if applicable. Quality synthetic oil should be used

for newer performance bikes, semisynthetic for older bikes. A specific quality motorcycle oil like Rock Oil should always be used Chain - if you‘re doing 100 or more miles per day this should be lubricated and adjusted as necessary Steering Does it operate freely without notches and uneven feel? Does it interfere with the operation of any cables at full lock? Kill switch functionality Side and center stands - do they return to their correct position for riding? Brake hoses - can you see any chafing or banjo bolts causing weeping?

Check battery - if not maintenance-free, then check electrolyte level and top up with distilled water if necessary. If you have an alarm or immobilizer fitted it may be worth giving it a charge (this is especially true if the bike is not being

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used regularly). The best solution is getting an intelligent charger, and having it plugged in permanently whilst the bike is garaged for any period of time. A battery left uncharged will have a shorter life Check control cables - lubricate as necessary Check brakes - pads and disks should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary; check and top-up fluid. Adjust drum brakes as necessary Make a full visual inspection - check for loose nuts & bolts and spokes if applicable. Fork seal leaks and any other oil leaks.

Monthly or 1,000 miles (whichever is sooner)  All the above, plus:  Check spark plugs - clean and adjust or replace, anything other than a light/ medium brown deposit may indicate problems  Check control cables - adjust free play  Check Idle speed - adjust as necessary  Lubricate control lever pivots Every 3 months or 2,500 miles (whichever is sooner)  All the above, plus:  Change oil & filter  Change air filter  Check wheel and steering head bearings grease and replace if necessary  Check exhaust system for leakage Every 6 months or 5,000 miles  All the above, plus:  Adjust carburetor synchronization - if applicable  Check overflow pipes - replace any that are blocked or missing Every 12 months or 10,000 miles  All the above, plus:  Replace spark plugs  Check suspension linkages - for play, replace linkage, bearings, bushes as necessary

invest in an intelligent charger

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Leave on the main stand - if your bike doesn‘t have one, kits are available for most bikes. Or invest in at least a rear paddock stand to get the weight of the bike off of the tires, which should be kept correctly inflated Consider draining the petrol as this can deteriorate over time and can, in extreme cases, evaporate leaving a nasty deposit which can block the carburetors. At least turn off the fuel tap and run the engine until the float bowls are empty. Fuel stabilizers are available that can help with this Wax well and lubricate - all parts that generally need lubricating. Make sure the bike is completely dry, then cover with a dust sheet and keep somewhere dry, preferably not in the same room as a tumble drier or other condensation causing machinery. If you have to keep it outside, then invest in a good quality, breathable waterproof cover and cover the exhaust outlets with plastic bags

A quick guide to some common service parts:

Brake pads - Generally for road use brake pads are available in two types: GG and HH, related to the friction coefficient of the braking material. HH offers more stopping power for a given force on the brake lever than the GG. But that doesn‘t make HH pads better - it‘s more a matter of Laying up a bike over the winter: balance, taste and riding style.  Regularly charge the battery - better still, Some people find HH pads too grabby, espe-

cially on lightweight machines. Don‘t fit HH pads to the rear of bike and GG to the front, this will make the overall braking balance too rear biased, which isn‘t good. However many people find the reverse: HH on the front and GG on the rear very comfortable and effective. Many newer sports bikes should only use HH pads, so check the manufacturers specifications. A noticeable downside to using HH pads is that they tend to wear the brake rotor more quickly. Chains and Sprockets - there‘s a lot of misleading information given about chains and sprockets (sometimes even by manufacturers pro-

moting their own products), whether X-ring lasts longer than O-ring, or whether one manufacturer is better than another. It‘s actually a question of your riding style, how much use your machine gets, your weight, if you lubricate and adjust the chain correctly, the weather and road conditions. Suffice to say, if you pull wheelies, weigh 35 stone, don‘t oil or adjust your chain and only ride on wet salted roads your chain won‘t last very long! That said, if you don‘t do many miles in a year, you may find that an Xring will last you longer than an O-ring - or if you ride like Barry Sheene, why bother buying an expensive heavy chain that will cause extra drag? On a modern sports bike fitting a new chain and sprockets could give you 8bhp over the old ones, sometimes more, possibly about the same as an expensive go faster ignition system, and it‘ll make the bike feel like new. Engine maintenance is very bike specific so oil pumps, valve clearances, ignition timings etc. are not mentioned here; refer to manufacturers guides, and if in doubt don‘t trust the geezer down the pub who used to have moped in the 70s, seek expert advice.

Just a Handful of Things Local Bands Might Consider... 1) Trashing other bands in your scene isn’t hurting their rep. It’s hurting yours. 2) Acting disinterested with folded arms at the back of the room at other bands’ shows does not make you cool. Singing along at the front of the stage does. 3) Looking like a rock star isn’t as important as sounding like one. 4) Image is actually important. Cargo shorts are for dads at a barbecue. Not for musicians on stage. 5) Being respectful and friendly will take you much further than being superior and entitled. 6) Going to other bands’ shows is THE most important thing you can do to support your scene. 7) Your scene’s gatekeepers are friends with each other. Get in with one and you’ll get in with them all. If you piss one off, prepare to be blacklisted. 8) You don’t need press to pack a show. You need a strong work ethic. 9) Physical promotional materials are still incredibly important. Get out into the world and put up some posters and hand out some flyers. Don’t spend all of your time on Facebook. 10) Facebook is dying. If your entire promotional plan relies on it, you’re doomed. 11) You need to conquer your hometown before you can hit the road. If no one cares about you locally, what makes you think people will care about you anywhere else? 12) Touring means nothing unless people actually show up to your shows. Do not tour unless you know how you’re going to get a crowd at every show. 13) Playing around town all the time weakens your draw. Spread out your shows so you can promote one big show every 6-8 weeks. 14) HOWEVER, when you’re starting off, you need to play out everywhere and anywhere all the time to get practice. Record every show. Once YOU love listening to your live set (and non-friends and non-family tell you they love your band) then you can book real shows and charge a cover. 15) If you suck, you do not deserve to be paid. Get good first. Then you can start charging. 16) No one in the industry cares about how good your music is. They care about how successful you have become on your own. 17) Go out of your way to help others in your scene. It will eventually come back around. Ari Herstand from www.digitalmusicnews.com