Rembering our friend
Evil Steve Ventura
I think everyone can agree that Steve or what he was better known as Evil Steve from Brooklyn, was the pilar of the underground music community.
I met Steve about two years ago when I was toying with the idea of adding a music korner to my magazine. I don't believe it was a coincidence that Steve showed up at an unlikely fetish (he did make it clear he was not into the fetishy stuff as his friend that was present was) event where we would sit down and discuss what everyone knows today as the Kink~E Magazine Music Korner.
Steve had so many great ideas that every time he called, I had to have my book ready to write down everything he said. He was like speed and after he said what he needed to say, he would say, "okay I gotta take care of my parents, I'll be around this week if you want to talk more." But it would be my last coversation wth him, the shortest phone call I had where he said, "I just called to say hi, nothing urgent, just saying hi." I made a joke and said, "wow Steve, that's the shortest phone call ever." I wish I had spoken to him more.
Through Steve, I met great people. Derek Soto of Sinestra Studios, Bob Marino who is the owner of Official FN Radio and official sponsor of our Music Korner, Bullspike Radio, and Jo Schüftan of Horns Up Rocks.
I traveled with Steve to a variety of bars where I got to meet great bands, Gods Green Earth, Thinning the Herd, IKILLYA, one of his big favorites, HUNG, Hate in the Box, Judas Priestess, Death Immortal, The Saints of Pain, ShiraGirl, Odd Zero, Midnight Mob,Slam One Down, Regalia, King Hell and Ashes Within.
There are so many more bands I can name, but it would take a book to include everyone that Steve took the time out to support at every venue, every event, even if it was just one band coming out to play, Steve was there.
Jo from Horns up Rocks had these words to Steve about his friend Steve, "A man with a huge heart that bled for the well-being of his family, his friends and the music he loved! He will be sorely missed by EVERYONE who knew him!"
His death comes as a shock to all of us. It wasn't too long ago that Steve had made his first written contribution to the Music Korner in tribute to Kevin Imor a.k.a The Reverend of Arch Demon Choir who's sudden passing left Steve sadden by his death. Never would I have imagined having to write something in tribute to Steve.
Although it is an honor, it's not the article I would have like to have written as Steve had so much more to give with his photograpy and his support of bands. Some how, some way, he found a space on his skin to tattoo his favorite bands.
In tribute to Steve, March 3rd, Drop Down is hosting a benefit show in his honor with all proceeds going to his family. Come join us and support the great bands that will be playing that night. Click on the flyer to take you to the Facebook page.
Rest in Peace my friend for you are truly missed by many. Gone but will never be forgotten.
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Biting Saints Music Korner Interview
How did Biting Saints come together?
Angel: It all started with Danny Robo. He came back to NYC in '07 after living in New Hampshire for awhile, wanting to rekindle his love for music. Robo then got in contact with Joe (rhythm guitarist), whom he had worked with for years, to help mold this project. After that foundation was cemented, Robo met Ivan thru friends. He found out Ivan was an insane lead guitarist and offered Ivan to come jam. The core of the band was set. After three years of song writing and a revolving door at the singer and bass position, Robo met Angel. He essentially asked Robo if Biting Saints needed a singer. Angel tried out and blew us away with his voice. That was a done deal for us. The last remaining piece was a solid, dedicated bass player. Angel mentioned he had a friend named Jay whom he had worked with musically for years. Jay then came in and staked his claim at the final spot. That's how this dysfunctional family was formed, and we wouldn't want it any other way!
Ivan: Biting Saints is the gruesome child of Danny Robo. Robo had just moved back to New York, and was looking to jam with some people, I was happy to play and that night was fun, we played an array of different styles, but the fact that we were able to work together was the nail on the head. A few weeks later he mentioned to me about a new project that he was starting, he explained that he had a few people already lined up to join the band. This was a first for me, I never been in a band, and I certainly knew nothing of these people. Among them was Joe Dillinger; as the other pieces of the band came and went (singers and bass players) we decided to write out as many songs as possible, and look for the missing pieces throughout the practice times. It took about 3 to 4 years of straight studio practice, the same story happened again of people coming and going, it was to the point that we thought we would be no more; then it happened Angel had inquired about the band to Robo, and they decided to arrange a practice, during the practice we were all excited since this foot actually fit the shoe. After a few practices, and no bass player in sight, Angel brought up Jay and after a few conversations with him and practices we now had a full band... After 4 years!
Was there ever a time where you needed to separate in order to regroup?
Joe: Before Angel and Jay came in, the rest of us were at a standstill. We didn't know if we could solidify a line up, let alone a song. Biting Saints was this close to not existing. But the addition of those two crazy bastids brought this band new life. And we haven't look back.
Ivan: We were on hiatus before we met Angel!
Where does your inspirations stem from?
Angel: We are inspired by the unfairness of this world. By humanities' movements and by what we see feel and hear.
Ivan: The way I write is a matter of a how I am feeling at the time, inspiration can come from anywhere, and I always keep an open mind. I am not sure about the rest, but to me it's all about how I am feeling.
Anyone of you afraid to tell each other something sucks so you can improve on your work?
Angel, Joe & Danny: Umm, have you met us? Hahaha! We do not hesitate to say what we feel. We all care about this entity we created. And there has been swearing and screaming. But we are big boys, we know it’s meant with love.
Ivan: I am not afraid to let you know what needs work or if something needs to be worked on. To give and to receive criticism is a blessing, as long as the critic has a type of idea or solution to help fix the problem.
Are they any bands out there you would like to work with or admire their work?
Angel & Jay: Tons! We admire any artists who set out to do what they love.
Ivan: Buckethead is someone I admire, he writes anything he wants
How do you handle negative behavior from other local bands?
Angel: Ehhh. We'd like to think well. Hahaha. Sometimes things can get under our collective skin. We try to brush it off and soldier forward. We are a respectful bunch, but we aren't pushovers.
Ivan: I delete them! I usually just shrug off the negativity, half of the things in your life you can't control so FUCK IT!
If a producer came forward and asked you to play other types of genre of music other than Heavy Metal how would you deal with that?
Angel: Show them the door.
Ivan: There are a lot of bands out there that play to a specific genre, I write music and songs, writing to a specific genre is difficult to me, not because I can't do it, but when you write to just one genre it begins to sound the same, and stale. I wouldn't do it.
Would you change up any of your songs to sound more alternative or would that be considered "jumping the shark"?
Angel: No need to fix something that ain't broke. At least in our humble opinions.
Ivan: I wouldn't mind hearing how it our music would sound like with an alternative sound, if it sounds good and people like it, then that's different, but changing the sound just because, that's a no no.
Where can we find your music?
You can get free downloads from www.bitingsaints.bandcamp.com, but majority of our stuff is on Bitingsaints.com We are everywhere you want to be.
What else can we expect from Biting Saints in 2012?
New shows at bigger venues! Show them death show them everything will be out soon!
Our debut album 'Show Them Death, Show Them Everything', a music video or two and a helluva lot of shows! We are pushing hard to be known in '12!
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Music Reviews
Agrius by Analytical Williams
Agrius is a six person underground experimental/progressive band from Brooklyn NY.
The band first formed in 2009 with only four members. Although the band had a set career path, set rock genre and played shows, this band needed a lot of work when it came to coordination as well as being in sync with each other. After announcing the departure from their vocalist Gabriel, the band decided to take a year off to find a new vocalist, work on their ep and brush up on their playing.
Fast forward to Spring of 2011, when Agrius debuted the music video for the single “Karma” off of the new EP “Instinct and Intuition” (Click here for the entry). The video was pretty good, and I feel the same way about the EP.
I liked the EP, a lot. The band now has two new members to replace Nathan as vocalist (Michelangelo and Gracie). The band has proven that they made the right move to take a year off to get themselves together because this EP is pretty good. The instruments are well in sync, the vocalists growls and screaming are very powerful. The drums don’t overpower the guitars and the rhythm of the bass is very steady. The only flaw that I can state is Gracie’s singing didn’t quite sync in with the song (or the band) in two of the tracks.
I can’t wait to check out their new sounds live. To check out their EP “Instinct and Intuition” click here.
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Chuck Platinum
by Marabelle Blue
Chuck Platinum was born with music in his blood. Having a father who is a DJ, his exposure to music, from House to R&B had Chuck DJing from the age of nine.
Between the years of 1991 and 1992, he and his brother began rapping and formed a group and in 1994 it lead to the famous Apollo Theatre on amateur night with host Steve Harvey where they were able to gain national exposure.
He recorded his first single in 1998 and began his own record company in 1999 Novacaine, which then gave him a different learning experience than just being behind the mic.
In 2003, experience and commitment came with the territory as he produced over one hundred records, leading him to the West Coast several years later. As the West Coast treated him well, having him open for such acts as Slick Rick, Chuck became homesick and came back to New York City.
Unfortunately New York City was not as welcoming. His absence had him living homeless in his car. Because Chuck was born with an inner persistence and a zest for life and music he was able to turn his luck around.
He began his I Am Legend Project and in 2012, he is working on his Magic of Believing.
In all of this Chuck discussed about upcoming and current music artists, where do you draw the line from what is yours and what is the record label’s sound?
“You can’t live day to day saying I’ll fake it till I make it. Everyone sounds the same because of the record label and sooner or later you have to be true to yourself. There is a “truth” in rap and cookie cutter rap artists have no substance. Music is about embracing the new, seeking out new music because the radio stations are owned by the record labels therefore you will get the same music over and over again.”
Chuck has no plans on compromising his brand and his art. They are true to form for him and there is no reason to change.
Hear Chuck Platinum on Sound Cloud and on Reverbnation
For more on Chuck Platinum you can follow him on Twitter.com/ chuckplatinum
Proud Father | NovaKhain Enterprises | Crazy Mob Squad | Pivot Records/Xtreme104fm | I AM LEGEND 43k downloads & counting! #ExecutiveFlow
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