Music News Headline Answers With Brandon Sills Project's Brandon Sills And Cole Powelson
November 4th, 2019
Metal Pulp And Paper: Hello Brandon and Cole, how are you? So glad to be catching up with you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at Metal Pulp And Paper. We appreciate it.
Brandon Sills: Not a Problem! Thank you, first and foremost.
MPAP: Now how are you both doing?
Cole Powelson: I'm pretty good. Glad it's Thursday.
Brandon: Currently, juggling more than I honestly should be juggling between personal life and music life stuff. It’ll sort itself out though. It always has at one point or another. Shouldn’t complain, but things are probably at their most pivotal and deciding moments.
MPAP: Now give us a little run down about your band and what we need to know, and especially tell us if you have any new music coming out or any tour announcements you can share here?
Brandon: So, BSP (Brandon Sills Project) is like metal genres meet classical and film score styles with electronic influences and some technical aspects, and lately retro wave content. I’d call it Cinema Metal perhaps. A retro wave EP currently with the working title Wasteland 2083 is expected sometime in 2020 and an unknown type of release of metal in Spring or Summer 2020. Who knows, could be sooner than even I am aware of. We have a show on Halloween, and trying to get everything tidied up for that while I also work on client commissions for Twitch streamers and re-rendering drums to take to Human Studios for another album I'm re-recording after almost 12 years.
Cole: Yeah, the stuff with BSP, just working on a full album, and getting that stuff ready to go.
Brandon: At least with how things have been recently regarding BSP, I feel good. I give everybody leniency in developing things and suggesting changes. It's more workable than a couple of bands I used to be a part of. I don't want to be like that with everybody on board, including a possible new drummer that we might announce soon.
MPAP: Very nice. So, for anyone that hasn't been to the Metal Pulp And Paper website recently, we changed things up a bit doing interviews, and are doing something completely different, for now at least. We've pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions to get reactions and comments on them from bands all over the world. We started this back in August, with different headlines, of course, and it was fun to read each group's different answers. So, please place your seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, and hang on, here we go again.
1. Granny Caught Rocking Out To Slipknot
MPAP: At a recent Knotfest show an elderly woman, even with her cane in hand, is caught on video rocking out to Slipknot. The story doesn’t mention her age, but I would say she’s in the prime of at least her 70s. What do you think of granny rocking out to Slipknot? Have you ever seen any older folks rocking out at any of your shows before? And bonus points, if we were keeping score, have you had any of your grandparents at any of your shows before?
Brandon: I think personally that if the music gets your attention or moves you on any level, regardless of genre labels, take it easy or go hard with it. She may have been reborn discovering Slipknot to be honest. But as long as the other concert goers treated her with kindness and respect and kept her out of harm’s way, I hope it was an enjoyable experience for her! As far as seeing other older folks rocking out at any of my own shows, not that I am completely aware of. If they happen to come to one and I notice, I would definitely find a way to hook them up with a free copy of whatever I have released as a genuine thank you for existing and living a life that is significant and important, no matter who tells them otherwise. And never had a grandparent at a show of mine. My family is definitely not into what I do, but they support me with it.
Cole: Not really, no. Not unless you count my parents, but they're not really that much older. They're not grandparents, that's for sure!
2. Metal Guitarist Too Young To Play Bar Plays Outside With Wireless System Instead
MPAP: The band Ancient Burials had a bit of a dilemma when they played a show at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Their guitarist was underage and not allowed into the bar to play. Some places will mark your hand with an 'X' identifying you’re a minor and let you play. Not the Hawthorne Theatre with Oregon’s liquor laws. So, instead of them canceling the show, fellow bandmates Paradigm Shift hooked him up with a wireless pack, and he went outside and played. The bar had an open window so you could see the band playing inside and he was outside shredding it out on the street. It’s a great video to watch.
Cole: Yeah, these guys are from Portland. Yeah, that's bad ass, dude. I haven't met those guys yet, but actually, I think, the bass player, Josh, we auditioned for At The Seams before Brandon, he is now in that band. It's so cool for them! It definitely blew them up, that's for sure!
Brandon: I heard about this between online news sources and Facebook actually within a few days after it happened and was impressed at how viral it went! It does bring up some interesting thoughts though. I understand that Oregon laws prohibit underage occupants in their establishment if they serve alcohol, but can’t there be something amended to allow them to work if their work involves being in a 21 plus? I know I was in one before and could perform only and leave right after. Wasn’t a problem. I don’t recall if I had the 'X' or not. But I think that there are bands all over who are wanting to expand their audience and are tired of trying all ages shows and want to play bars as well. But this exclusivity prevents them from reaching a broader audience perhaps, so it can be hurtful to their organic growth. I do hope their situation however sparks a conversation about expanding upon this and treat musicians as working people. We may not get paid much doing what we love to do, but the experiences help make it feel more rich than money. Preventing the new crop to perform in specific places doesn’t really help any the way I see it, even if the responsibility is on multiple parties.
Cole: Yeah, it's... I mean, I get it and I don't, like, you have the mark on your hand, you can go in there and play. I mean, given if I was playing underage, I wouldn't try to screw it up. However, they pulled it off in the most bad ass way too.
3. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried Reveals Himself As Slipknot’s Tortilla Man
MPAP: Obviously, someone brilliant out there got him to announce that, probably on one of those Celebrity Cameos or something. In all seriousness, does it even matter who Tortilla Man is? And why do you think Slipknot is so strict on revealing who new band members are? They had this previous issue when Paul Gray passed away and was replaced by Alessandro Venturella, and also when Jay Weinberg replaced Joey Jordison.
Brandon: I mean, it’s funny, because you’d think with multiple people claiming one person or another is who you think they are, or people saying they are who people are trying to unveil, the joke can get funnier over time. To me, it doesn’t truly matter who Tortilla Man is. Slipknot is in their own right to hide the identity of new members until they see fit to reveal. But the public always want to know what’s up, and I do not blame them. Maybe Slipknot is very tight-lipped because they want to drag the mystery on for so long that it feels like the best reveal or the biggest letdown when it happens?
Cole: I don't even know what that is. I don't really have anything to say. It's Slipknot, I don't really pay attention to all the Slipknot stuff. It's everywhere.
4. These Post Malone Fans Are Just Hearing About Ozzy For The First Time Thanks To New Collaboration
MPAP: Recently Post Malone recorded a song called "Take What You Want," and it featured Ozzy Osbourne. Honestly, it’s not a lousy collaboration between the two. Wasn’t expecting it to be a good song. Anyways, what gets me is some people, mainly Post Malone's fans were saying thanks to Post Malone he just gave this Ozzy guy a career. They obviously have no idea! Even back in 2015, it was almost the same thing, Kayne West did a song with the Beatles Paul McCartney, and Kayne’s fans were saying Kayne just gave Paul a career in the music business. Really c’mon? So, my question is, should the history of music be taught in school or something? Shouldn’t the younger generation know who Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney are?
Brandon: Ignorance to certain things only creates these sensational articles that make many of us facepalm as hard as possible, if not, repeatedly. To start, I have not really listened to anything from Post Malone. However, I have watched interviews and it gave me a chance to understand what kind of person he is. I may not get into his music in the future, but I have some high respect for him. As far as Kanye is concerned, I don’t think I have anything positive to say honestly.
Cole: I mean, it's cool, because it's bringing younger generations into metal, because they're going to find Ozzy, then they're going to find, you know, Black Sabbath, and all his other stuff. People will find stuff they didn't know about previously, so I think it's bad ass. I mean, if people didn't know who he was before, I can understand it.
Brandon: Post Malone giving Ozzy a career however, very laughable. My mom saw McCartney long ago with the Beatles, so McCartney could have given Kanye a career for all we know, right? Malone however is new flesh while Osbourne is a living pioneer. Both however have made or done something that will leave a mark in history for sure. And I think with that, the younger generation should know a little more, yes. I don’t want to say they’re completely ignorant or incompetent. They are capable. Don’t apologize, just change. Do better. Don’t help us create false headlines. Report real news!
Cole: The history of music should be taught in school, but it's only going to be there for those who want to take it. I mean, I took a music history class in college. There were artists that my parents listened to that I never could have told ya... I mean, I guess it just happens with the passing of time and the new generations. I discover a ton of new artists weekly on Spotify, but most of it kind of falls into the realm of stuff I already listen to, like black metal and such.
5. Sabaton Involved In 'Serious Traffic Accident' In Tunisia, Cancel Tonight’s Show
MPAP: Luckily everyone is ok now, but do you have any scary tour bus accident stories that you can share with us? Or, if no accidents, any close calls where you thought you might die?
Brandon: It is unfortunate for any touring band to be involved in an accident, including their employees who drive them or their stage hands or technicians. Thankfully, no one lost their lives in that regard. People need to stop dying in the first place, it’s depressing to see so much potential and so many gifts given to be taken. I have only had one instance of this in my life and learned from it. I had a show downtown at the waterfront once upon a time. Two people I was hoping to work with pulled out at the last minute and I had to assemble the show content in less than 24 hours. I did so on one hour of sleep. I had two songs with a guest female singer, and we both pulled it off. I wound up getting everything done, and headed home. I nodded off for a couple seconds on a stretch of I-205 SB, and I nicked an Eagle Talon. It could’ve been worse. Due to the make-up, their aggravated tone turned to legitimate concern. I didn’t know what happened, but the whole issue was resolved. Because of that, I never stay out late or drive when extremely tired. I refuse to be a statistic or make someone else that.
Cole: For me, maybe the first show I played where I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Other than that, no. We really haven't gone on tour.
6. Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg: The Effects of Climate Change Are Undeniable
MPAP: Some say there is no such thing as climate change, or some say it is getting better. Both sides of the party point fingers at each other. Even back in February of this year, Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old democratic socialist, wanted us to get to the point of where air travel would stop becoming necessary, and believes farting cows are responsible for the climate change and we need to get rid of them. What are your thoughts on climate change?
Brandon: Humans are definitely a large contributing factor to things alongside the other docile and dangerous creatures of the land and sea. This argument however is just a horrible comedy show we can’t stop watching. Nobody is able to agree that there is a problem and that we need to address it. Nobody wants to cooperate together with mutual respect and concern for the future of their own children. This apathy is what will slowly allow this problem to drift from our hands and accelerate the change if we are not willing to address it. It is a problem; it must be dealt with. What kind of fucking example are we setting as a society?
Cole: Climate change, I think it's a real thing. I mean, I think it's happening, regardless of what people say, it seems pretty evident. Maybe be more green? At least recycle when you can, try to get away from petroleum-based cars sometime soon. I mean, it's hard because electric and hybrid cars are pretty expensive, compared to a 1990 Honda Civic.
7. Nicole Kidman Attended An Iron Maiden Show with Her Husband, Keith Urban
MPAP: Never would have expected that couple to be into Iron Maiden, but still cool either way. It’s good to know that music can reach anyone. So, have you ever had anyone famous that you know of attend one of your shows? If not, who would you like to leave a ticket for at will call to come to your next show?
Brandon: Sometimes, we see the faces of people and automatically assume on a form of judgment that they are an EDM person, a Hip-Hop person, or a Metal person, etc. And it’s kind of fascinating in the same way social engineering is fascinating. But you really shouldn’t judge books by their covers. That’s been a lesson I’ve been learning over this past year alone.
Cole: I don't think we've had any famous people at our shows? Eventually it'd be cool. A will call ticket, I don't know, because everybody I look up to that's famous, I mean, they would probably be there because we're playing with them. But, maybe John Romero (id Software co-founder). That would be pretty legit. I don't think that would ever happen, but I'll keep my hopes up.
Brandon: I do not recall a famous celebrity ever being at a show of mine. I know in prior bands, there have been people considered to be up there in status who I have been around as part of an opening act, and I have met a few of those people. It’s a great feeling to be able to connect with them, even if it is a short period of time. But with my own shows, no. However, with that, I don’t even know who I’d leave a ticket at the call desk for. Maybe at this point of personal evolution, I’d leave a ticket for any member of Periphery if they’re also down to chat afterwards about whatever that brightens a day or can inspire each other.
8. Yellowstone Police Are Using AC/DC To Clear Bison Off The Road
MPAP: In our previous headlines feature Metallica was blasted to scare away a cougar, and now bison are being blasted by AC/DC. It makes you think, what animal is next, and then how long until the animal kingdom doesn’t put up with this anymore and revolts against humans?
Cole: That's awesome. I mean, it's bad ass. It's loud music, so it's probably going to scare any animals away. I mean, it's cool. Pretty funny, but cool. I imagine with the next animal, it's going to be cougars, and the music will be Slayer. Or maybe birds at the airport. "Raining Blood" as the birds fly into the jet engines, and then it is actually raining blood.
Brandon: I'd imagine ducks and Infant Annihilator.
Cole: That would be pretty fucking cool.
Brandon: I mean, ducks are a different thing though. Like, female ducks have evolved their reproductive system as a method to prevent male ducks from having more offspring with an unwanted mate.
Cole: It's kind of creepy how you know this, but I know you're not ducking around.
Brandon: I randomly search and research stuff for the sake of knowledge. You can learn with the internet. I live in the matrix.
9. Vinyl On Pace To Outsell CDs in 2019
MPAP: Buying albums seems to be the trendy hip thing it looks like again. Since streaming services are the popular norm, it’s good that records are making a comeback, but sad in a way, because CDs will become extinct. Brandon: This is definitely right up your alley.
Cole: Oh my god. Yes, it is. CD's are kind of becoming extinct with the advent of streaming services, but I mean, everybody I know that likes to buy music buys it in CD form. I mean, I don't. I buy vinyl. I think it's fun. I think it's the best way to experience music because you can sit there and hold the artwork in your hands, you can see all the little details the artist put into it, and it kind of forces you to listen to the whole album. It makes concept albums way more bad ass. I mean, listen to a Pink Floyd album for your first time on vinyl, it just blows your mind. It forces you to be interactive with it. I think it's bad ass that vinyl is coming back and making a resurgence.
Brandon: This is one of those hard to talk about topics for most, but the reality is: physical merch is always a great thing to have! In the days when there was vinyl, then there was an 8-track, then cassette tape, then CD, then DVD-Audio, which seems to not have taken off the same, and the digital platforms of RealPlayer Audio and the initial MP3 codecs of the 90s. Music consumption follows technological evolution. Vinyl making a comeback is actually a great thing because it’s probably some of the cleanest audio you’ll ever get in an analog format. It may not be some super 24-bit 48 kHz DVD Audio 5.1 Surround experience, but it’s really clean. CDs may become extinct. We have to expect and anticipate that. If vinyl is coming back, production costs will become cheaper eventually, or at least I would hope. A physical print with artwork is always important to have. It is a must-have experience that trumps the convenience of digital streaming. I would encourage no matter what to buy physical from artists, especially in your local scene. Streaming can only kill careers and motivations pretty quickly if that is the norm.
10. Dude Who Tried To Swim Back Into Slayer Show After Being Ejected Immortalized on Beer Can
MPAP: The guy that tried to swim back into a Slayer show is from a headline in 2018, but him being immortalized on a beer can is new. This is a two-part question. Which beer can would you like your face on, and while out on tour, what is the craziest thing a fan has done that you have seen?
Cole: Oh dude, my face would be on, like, any Ninkasi beer. Dawn of The Red, for sure. That was my first legal beer.
Brandon: I honestly would be unsure which beer brand I’d want to be associated with. If I were immortalized on a beer can though, I’d want a good chunk of proceeds from the sales of it to go to a charity to help children who are victims of various forms of abuse, or need to be rescued from dangerous situations. If you want to understand a little more of what I mean, read up on a child actor named Judith Barsi. Very sad story.
Cole: When I was in Dead Nexus, this dude was moshing and then just like, slipped and bashed his head into a table. It was like this picnic table inside a pizza bar. And he got up and kept trying to mosh, but I'm pretty sure he gave himself a concussion. That's about the craziest thing I've seen. With BSP, no, nothing yet.
Brandon: I don’t think I have anything crazy with BSP yet, but with a prior band, this lady who asked for a cigarette or money for dog food or something. She apparently got out of the hospital after getting hit by an 18-wheeler and having a variety of bones bruised or broken. The conversation basically ended with her shouting in public "I broke my pussy bone," and eventually walking off with her dog. I was 'WTF' for a few hours after that. Hopefully she got dog food at least, and maybe a second shot at a fulfilling life. There were people who witnessed this conversation too. Still a hilarious moment for me.
11. Former Five Finger Death Punch Drummer’s New Gig: A Horror Porn Anthology Series
MPAP: Yep, you read it right, former Five Finger Death Punch drummer’s new gig is in the porn business. Not only is Jeremy Spencer a part-time cop in Indiana now, but now he writes, directs, and even stars in his pornos. Crazy. So, my question is, what is your dream job if you weren’t performing in a band? If you had to hang things up in the music business, what would you rather be doing?
Brandon: I mean, do what you want if it speaks to you, right? I think considering my fascination with weather and meteorology, that’s an avenue I could go. Another one I would want to get involved in would involve video games and developing them. Either help with scientific studies and maybe improve advanced tornado warnings for people exposed to those on a regular basis, or use this extreme over-creative mind to develop games that might actually give players a bit more of what they want that live up to the hype or something.
Cole: I do I.T. work, and that's always super fun and I love it. But I would probably do the video game streaming thing full time if I could.
12. Flaw Accused of Plagiarizing You Tuber’s Song, Vocalist Said He Had No Idea
MPAP: This isn’t really a question about that headline, but it made me think and want to ask, is there one song out there that some band has recorded, and it’s so good that you wish you could claim it as your own song?
Cole: Oh dude, I read this article the other day. They released an addition to it. There's no way this guy had no idea. Like, if you're in this band, there's no way that nobody that's helping write these songs is not mentioning this YouTube channel that they're stealing stuff from.
Brandon: Pretty much. I mean, it's plausible, but it's also hard to tell the truth under these kinds of circumstances.
Cole: Claim another song as my own? Oh god, there's so many. Anything by Fallujah for me. I love Fallujah. Maybe "Carved From Stone" or anything from that album "The Flesh Prevails." Just anything on that album, is just mind blowing to me. That dude's guitar style and his tone, it's just... bad ass.
Brandon: At this point in my life, I would have to say the title track of "Phantasmagore" by Deadsy. Not many people may be familiar with that band in general, but when I first heard that song after I bought the album itself in 2006, I had goosebumps. It’s sort of a spooky kind of intro that leads into this fat fuzz guitar riff and melodic synth that for some reason makes me think of the ghost forest in Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door on Gamecube every time I hear it. The lyrics are very abstract to me, but also feels extremely deep in meaning. I think the album itself was inspired by a sort of Lou Reed vibe, and that got me to know that name at the time.
13. Metallica Named 'World’s Biggest Touring Act' According To New Study
MPAP: Even though they’ve released a few records that some fans can’t stand, that still hasn’t stopped them by selling over 22 million tickets and grossed $1.4 billion in touring since 1982. That’s very impressive. So, I guess the question would be, lets rain on their parade for a moment, what’s your least favorite Metallica song that you must turn off or turn down when it’s on the radio? And by no means, this is no disrespect to Metallica at all. I think they are man enough to handle hearing which songs or albums are not fan favorites. It's just for fun and games, until we shot our eye out.
Cole: I have never heard St. Anger on the radio or XM. I'm probably going to get a lot of shit for saying this, but there's a few songs on St. Anger I actually enjoyed, but I mean, if there's anything from Metallica I hear on the radio, it's from their earlier albums or Load or Reload and anything on those two albums, I turn off. Sometimes, anything on the Black album. Just because it's so over-played. Maybe "Enter Sandman" because I played that song to death when I was learning guitar, and it comes on all the time.
Brandon: I must admit personally I have not listened to a lot of Metallica since high school, but I jumped into Megadeth in the late 2000s. It really is nothing against their music or them specifically, I just haven’t dumped myself into a head space where I could explore their legacy. I don’t side with Metallica or Megadeth specifically in terms of which one is better. I think both have great classics and their histories forgiven as they’ve aged. It is a plan eventually to really dive in, considering they are a part of the history of a genre I enjoy more than most others. Maybe saying that can inspire someone to listen to a band they haven’t listened to and have been wanting to but have been hesitant. Like I only know two Slayer songs and was never a super fan, but I saw them live and was impressed enough that I wanted to learn more. It’s never too late to discover a band’s musical history or anything.
MPAP: Some great answers. On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Brandon and Cole, for taking the time to answer these. We look forward to what the Brandon Sills Project does to finish out 2019 and beyond.
Brandon: Thank you first and foremost, again. It was great to read through all of this and reflect upon various topics together, whether large or small.
MPAP: Any last words for all your fans out there?
Cole: If I have any, thank you. I would probably encourage you to go find new music to listen to, on top of what you're already listening to. Sitting there listening to the same 12 or 13 bands all the time kind of gets monotonous and you'll get bored with it. Like I said earlier, I try to find new bands to listen to, or rediscover bands I used to listen to years ago that didn't click with me, and now they do. You'll see yourself evolve.
Brandon: Even if you don’t share similar morals or values, it costs you nothing to be excellent to each other. You’re not going to do anything great with your life if you’re poisoning others, so just be understanding and patient if you can. It’s all about respect and growth. And don’t forget your local bands or musicians. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders if you can, and find things that make you happy. Don’t let anyone take that from you, and if they try, they are not worth your time. All that positive stuff. Watch out for one another and help keep things safe and enjoyable for all.
November 4th, 2019
Metal Pulp And Paper: Hello Brandon and Cole, how are you? So glad to be catching up with you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at Metal Pulp And Paper. We appreciate it.
Brandon Sills: Not a Problem! Thank you, first and foremost.
MPAP: Now how are you both doing?
Cole Powelson: I'm pretty good. Glad it's Thursday.
Brandon: Currently, juggling more than I honestly should be juggling between personal life and music life stuff. It’ll sort itself out though. It always has at one point or another. Shouldn’t complain, but things are probably at their most pivotal and deciding moments.
MPAP: Now give us a little run down about your band and what we need to know, and especially tell us if you have any new music coming out or any tour announcements you can share here?
Brandon: So, BSP (Brandon Sills Project) is like metal genres meet classical and film score styles with electronic influences and some technical aspects, and lately retro wave content. I’d call it Cinema Metal perhaps. A retro wave EP currently with the working title Wasteland 2083 is expected sometime in 2020 and an unknown type of release of metal in Spring or Summer 2020. Who knows, could be sooner than even I am aware of. We have a show on Halloween, and trying to get everything tidied up for that while I also work on client commissions for Twitch streamers and re-rendering drums to take to Human Studios for another album I'm re-recording after almost 12 years.
Cole: Yeah, the stuff with BSP, just working on a full album, and getting that stuff ready to go.
Brandon: At least with how things have been recently regarding BSP, I feel good. I give everybody leniency in developing things and suggesting changes. It's more workable than a couple of bands I used to be a part of. I don't want to be like that with everybody on board, including a possible new drummer that we might announce soon.
MPAP: Very nice. So, for anyone that hasn't been to the Metal Pulp And Paper website recently, we changed things up a bit doing interviews, and are doing something completely different, for now at least. We've pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions to get reactions and comments on them from bands all over the world. We started this back in August, with different headlines, of course, and it was fun to read each group's different answers. So, please place your seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, and hang on, here we go again.
1. Granny Caught Rocking Out To Slipknot
MPAP: At a recent Knotfest show an elderly woman, even with her cane in hand, is caught on video rocking out to Slipknot. The story doesn’t mention her age, but I would say she’s in the prime of at least her 70s. What do you think of granny rocking out to Slipknot? Have you ever seen any older folks rocking out at any of your shows before? And bonus points, if we were keeping score, have you had any of your grandparents at any of your shows before?
Brandon: I think personally that if the music gets your attention or moves you on any level, regardless of genre labels, take it easy or go hard with it. She may have been reborn discovering Slipknot to be honest. But as long as the other concert goers treated her with kindness and respect and kept her out of harm’s way, I hope it was an enjoyable experience for her! As far as seeing other older folks rocking out at any of my own shows, not that I am completely aware of. If they happen to come to one and I notice, I would definitely find a way to hook them up with a free copy of whatever I have released as a genuine thank you for existing and living a life that is significant and important, no matter who tells them otherwise. And never had a grandparent at a show of mine. My family is definitely not into what I do, but they support me with it.
Cole: Not really, no. Not unless you count my parents, but they're not really that much older. They're not grandparents, that's for sure!
2. Metal Guitarist Too Young To Play Bar Plays Outside With Wireless System Instead
MPAP: The band Ancient Burials had a bit of a dilemma when they played a show at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Their guitarist was underage and not allowed into the bar to play. Some places will mark your hand with an 'X' identifying you’re a minor and let you play. Not the Hawthorne Theatre with Oregon’s liquor laws. So, instead of them canceling the show, fellow bandmates Paradigm Shift hooked him up with a wireless pack, and he went outside and played. The bar had an open window so you could see the band playing inside and he was outside shredding it out on the street. It’s a great video to watch.
Cole: Yeah, these guys are from Portland. Yeah, that's bad ass, dude. I haven't met those guys yet, but actually, I think, the bass player, Josh, we auditioned for At The Seams before Brandon, he is now in that band. It's so cool for them! It definitely blew them up, that's for sure!
Brandon: I heard about this between online news sources and Facebook actually within a few days after it happened and was impressed at how viral it went! It does bring up some interesting thoughts though. I understand that Oregon laws prohibit underage occupants in their establishment if they serve alcohol, but can’t there be something amended to allow them to work if their work involves being in a 21 plus? I know I was in one before and could perform only and leave right after. Wasn’t a problem. I don’t recall if I had the 'X' or not. But I think that there are bands all over who are wanting to expand their audience and are tired of trying all ages shows and want to play bars as well. But this exclusivity prevents them from reaching a broader audience perhaps, so it can be hurtful to their organic growth. I do hope their situation however sparks a conversation about expanding upon this and treat musicians as working people. We may not get paid much doing what we love to do, but the experiences help make it feel more rich than money. Preventing the new crop to perform in specific places doesn’t really help any the way I see it, even if the responsibility is on multiple parties.
Cole: Yeah, it's... I mean, I get it and I don't, like, you have the mark on your hand, you can go in there and play. I mean, given if I was playing underage, I wouldn't try to screw it up. However, they pulled it off in the most bad ass way too.
3. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried Reveals Himself As Slipknot’s Tortilla Man
MPAP: Obviously, someone brilliant out there got him to announce that, probably on one of those Celebrity Cameos or something. In all seriousness, does it even matter who Tortilla Man is? And why do you think Slipknot is so strict on revealing who new band members are? They had this previous issue when Paul Gray passed away and was replaced by Alessandro Venturella, and also when Jay Weinberg replaced Joey Jordison.
Brandon: I mean, it’s funny, because you’d think with multiple people claiming one person or another is who you think they are, or people saying they are who people are trying to unveil, the joke can get funnier over time. To me, it doesn’t truly matter who Tortilla Man is. Slipknot is in their own right to hide the identity of new members until they see fit to reveal. But the public always want to know what’s up, and I do not blame them. Maybe Slipknot is very tight-lipped because they want to drag the mystery on for so long that it feels like the best reveal or the biggest letdown when it happens?
Cole: I don't even know what that is. I don't really have anything to say. It's Slipknot, I don't really pay attention to all the Slipknot stuff. It's everywhere.
4. These Post Malone Fans Are Just Hearing About Ozzy For The First Time Thanks To New Collaboration
MPAP: Recently Post Malone recorded a song called "Take What You Want," and it featured Ozzy Osbourne. Honestly, it’s not a lousy collaboration between the two. Wasn’t expecting it to be a good song. Anyways, what gets me is some people, mainly Post Malone's fans were saying thanks to Post Malone he just gave this Ozzy guy a career. They obviously have no idea! Even back in 2015, it was almost the same thing, Kayne West did a song with the Beatles Paul McCartney, and Kayne’s fans were saying Kayne just gave Paul a career in the music business. Really c’mon? So, my question is, should the history of music be taught in school or something? Shouldn’t the younger generation know who Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney are?
Brandon: Ignorance to certain things only creates these sensational articles that make many of us facepalm as hard as possible, if not, repeatedly. To start, I have not really listened to anything from Post Malone. However, I have watched interviews and it gave me a chance to understand what kind of person he is. I may not get into his music in the future, but I have some high respect for him. As far as Kanye is concerned, I don’t think I have anything positive to say honestly.
Cole: I mean, it's cool, because it's bringing younger generations into metal, because they're going to find Ozzy, then they're going to find, you know, Black Sabbath, and all his other stuff. People will find stuff they didn't know about previously, so I think it's bad ass. I mean, if people didn't know who he was before, I can understand it.
Brandon: Post Malone giving Ozzy a career however, very laughable. My mom saw McCartney long ago with the Beatles, so McCartney could have given Kanye a career for all we know, right? Malone however is new flesh while Osbourne is a living pioneer. Both however have made or done something that will leave a mark in history for sure. And I think with that, the younger generation should know a little more, yes. I don’t want to say they’re completely ignorant or incompetent. They are capable. Don’t apologize, just change. Do better. Don’t help us create false headlines. Report real news!
Cole: The history of music should be taught in school, but it's only going to be there for those who want to take it. I mean, I took a music history class in college. There were artists that my parents listened to that I never could have told ya... I mean, I guess it just happens with the passing of time and the new generations. I discover a ton of new artists weekly on Spotify, but most of it kind of falls into the realm of stuff I already listen to, like black metal and such.
5. Sabaton Involved In 'Serious Traffic Accident' In Tunisia, Cancel Tonight’s Show
MPAP: Luckily everyone is ok now, but do you have any scary tour bus accident stories that you can share with us? Or, if no accidents, any close calls where you thought you might die?
Brandon: It is unfortunate for any touring band to be involved in an accident, including their employees who drive them or their stage hands or technicians. Thankfully, no one lost their lives in that regard. People need to stop dying in the first place, it’s depressing to see so much potential and so many gifts given to be taken. I have only had one instance of this in my life and learned from it. I had a show downtown at the waterfront once upon a time. Two people I was hoping to work with pulled out at the last minute and I had to assemble the show content in less than 24 hours. I did so on one hour of sleep. I had two songs with a guest female singer, and we both pulled it off. I wound up getting everything done, and headed home. I nodded off for a couple seconds on a stretch of I-205 SB, and I nicked an Eagle Talon. It could’ve been worse. Due to the make-up, their aggravated tone turned to legitimate concern. I didn’t know what happened, but the whole issue was resolved. Because of that, I never stay out late or drive when extremely tired. I refuse to be a statistic or make someone else that.
Cole: For me, maybe the first show I played where I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Other than that, no. We really haven't gone on tour.
6. Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg: The Effects of Climate Change Are Undeniable
MPAP: Some say there is no such thing as climate change, or some say it is getting better. Both sides of the party point fingers at each other. Even back in February of this year, Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old democratic socialist, wanted us to get to the point of where air travel would stop becoming necessary, and believes farting cows are responsible for the climate change and we need to get rid of them. What are your thoughts on climate change?
Brandon: Humans are definitely a large contributing factor to things alongside the other docile and dangerous creatures of the land and sea. This argument however is just a horrible comedy show we can’t stop watching. Nobody is able to agree that there is a problem and that we need to address it. Nobody wants to cooperate together with mutual respect and concern for the future of their own children. This apathy is what will slowly allow this problem to drift from our hands and accelerate the change if we are not willing to address it. It is a problem; it must be dealt with. What kind of fucking example are we setting as a society?
Cole: Climate change, I think it's a real thing. I mean, I think it's happening, regardless of what people say, it seems pretty evident. Maybe be more green? At least recycle when you can, try to get away from petroleum-based cars sometime soon. I mean, it's hard because electric and hybrid cars are pretty expensive, compared to a 1990 Honda Civic.
7. Nicole Kidman Attended An Iron Maiden Show with Her Husband, Keith Urban
MPAP: Never would have expected that couple to be into Iron Maiden, but still cool either way. It’s good to know that music can reach anyone. So, have you ever had anyone famous that you know of attend one of your shows? If not, who would you like to leave a ticket for at will call to come to your next show?
Brandon: Sometimes, we see the faces of people and automatically assume on a form of judgment that they are an EDM person, a Hip-Hop person, or a Metal person, etc. And it’s kind of fascinating in the same way social engineering is fascinating. But you really shouldn’t judge books by their covers. That’s been a lesson I’ve been learning over this past year alone.
Cole: I don't think we've had any famous people at our shows? Eventually it'd be cool. A will call ticket, I don't know, because everybody I look up to that's famous, I mean, they would probably be there because we're playing with them. But, maybe John Romero (id Software co-founder). That would be pretty legit. I don't think that would ever happen, but I'll keep my hopes up.
Brandon: I do not recall a famous celebrity ever being at a show of mine. I know in prior bands, there have been people considered to be up there in status who I have been around as part of an opening act, and I have met a few of those people. It’s a great feeling to be able to connect with them, even if it is a short period of time. But with my own shows, no. However, with that, I don’t even know who I’d leave a ticket at the call desk for. Maybe at this point of personal evolution, I’d leave a ticket for any member of Periphery if they’re also down to chat afterwards about whatever that brightens a day or can inspire each other.
8. Yellowstone Police Are Using AC/DC To Clear Bison Off The Road
MPAP: In our previous headlines feature Metallica was blasted to scare away a cougar, and now bison are being blasted by AC/DC. It makes you think, what animal is next, and then how long until the animal kingdom doesn’t put up with this anymore and revolts against humans?
Cole: That's awesome. I mean, it's bad ass. It's loud music, so it's probably going to scare any animals away. I mean, it's cool. Pretty funny, but cool. I imagine with the next animal, it's going to be cougars, and the music will be Slayer. Or maybe birds at the airport. "Raining Blood" as the birds fly into the jet engines, and then it is actually raining blood.
Brandon: I'd imagine ducks and Infant Annihilator.
Cole: That would be pretty fucking cool.
Brandon: I mean, ducks are a different thing though. Like, female ducks have evolved their reproductive system as a method to prevent male ducks from having more offspring with an unwanted mate.
Cole: It's kind of creepy how you know this, but I know you're not ducking around.
Brandon: I randomly search and research stuff for the sake of knowledge. You can learn with the internet. I live in the matrix.
9. Vinyl On Pace To Outsell CDs in 2019
MPAP: Buying albums seems to be the trendy hip thing it looks like again. Since streaming services are the popular norm, it’s good that records are making a comeback, but sad in a way, because CDs will become extinct. Brandon: This is definitely right up your alley.
Cole: Oh my god. Yes, it is. CD's are kind of becoming extinct with the advent of streaming services, but I mean, everybody I know that likes to buy music buys it in CD form. I mean, I don't. I buy vinyl. I think it's fun. I think it's the best way to experience music because you can sit there and hold the artwork in your hands, you can see all the little details the artist put into it, and it kind of forces you to listen to the whole album. It makes concept albums way more bad ass. I mean, listen to a Pink Floyd album for your first time on vinyl, it just blows your mind. It forces you to be interactive with it. I think it's bad ass that vinyl is coming back and making a resurgence.
Brandon: This is one of those hard to talk about topics for most, but the reality is: physical merch is always a great thing to have! In the days when there was vinyl, then there was an 8-track, then cassette tape, then CD, then DVD-Audio, which seems to not have taken off the same, and the digital platforms of RealPlayer Audio and the initial MP3 codecs of the 90s. Music consumption follows technological evolution. Vinyl making a comeback is actually a great thing because it’s probably some of the cleanest audio you’ll ever get in an analog format. It may not be some super 24-bit 48 kHz DVD Audio 5.1 Surround experience, but it’s really clean. CDs may become extinct. We have to expect and anticipate that. If vinyl is coming back, production costs will become cheaper eventually, or at least I would hope. A physical print with artwork is always important to have. It is a must-have experience that trumps the convenience of digital streaming. I would encourage no matter what to buy physical from artists, especially in your local scene. Streaming can only kill careers and motivations pretty quickly if that is the norm.
10. Dude Who Tried To Swim Back Into Slayer Show After Being Ejected Immortalized on Beer Can
MPAP: The guy that tried to swim back into a Slayer show is from a headline in 2018, but him being immortalized on a beer can is new. This is a two-part question. Which beer can would you like your face on, and while out on tour, what is the craziest thing a fan has done that you have seen?
Cole: Oh dude, my face would be on, like, any Ninkasi beer. Dawn of The Red, for sure. That was my first legal beer.
Brandon: I honestly would be unsure which beer brand I’d want to be associated with. If I were immortalized on a beer can though, I’d want a good chunk of proceeds from the sales of it to go to a charity to help children who are victims of various forms of abuse, or need to be rescued from dangerous situations. If you want to understand a little more of what I mean, read up on a child actor named Judith Barsi. Very sad story.
Cole: When I was in Dead Nexus, this dude was moshing and then just like, slipped and bashed his head into a table. It was like this picnic table inside a pizza bar. And he got up and kept trying to mosh, but I'm pretty sure he gave himself a concussion. That's about the craziest thing I've seen. With BSP, no, nothing yet.
Brandon: I don’t think I have anything crazy with BSP yet, but with a prior band, this lady who asked for a cigarette or money for dog food or something. She apparently got out of the hospital after getting hit by an 18-wheeler and having a variety of bones bruised or broken. The conversation basically ended with her shouting in public "I broke my pussy bone," and eventually walking off with her dog. I was 'WTF' for a few hours after that. Hopefully she got dog food at least, and maybe a second shot at a fulfilling life. There were people who witnessed this conversation too. Still a hilarious moment for me.
11. Former Five Finger Death Punch Drummer’s New Gig: A Horror Porn Anthology Series
MPAP: Yep, you read it right, former Five Finger Death Punch drummer’s new gig is in the porn business. Not only is Jeremy Spencer a part-time cop in Indiana now, but now he writes, directs, and even stars in his pornos. Crazy. So, my question is, what is your dream job if you weren’t performing in a band? If you had to hang things up in the music business, what would you rather be doing?
Brandon: I mean, do what you want if it speaks to you, right? I think considering my fascination with weather and meteorology, that’s an avenue I could go. Another one I would want to get involved in would involve video games and developing them. Either help with scientific studies and maybe improve advanced tornado warnings for people exposed to those on a regular basis, or use this extreme over-creative mind to develop games that might actually give players a bit more of what they want that live up to the hype or something.
Cole: I do I.T. work, and that's always super fun and I love it. But I would probably do the video game streaming thing full time if I could.
12. Flaw Accused of Plagiarizing You Tuber’s Song, Vocalist Said He Had No Idea
MPAP: This isn’t really a question about that headline, but it made me think and want to ask, is there one song out there that some band has recorded, and it’s so good that you wish you could claim it as your own song?
Cole: Oh dude, I read this article the other day. They released an addition to it. There's no way this guy had no idea. Like, if you're in this band, there's no way that nobody that's helping write these songs is not mentioning this YouTube channel that they're stealing stuff from.
Brandon: Pretty much. I mean, it's plausible, but it's also hard to tell the truth under these kinds of circumstances.
Cole: Claim another song as my own? Oh god, there's so many. Anything by Fallujah for me. I love Fallujah. Maybe "Carved From Stone" or anything from that album "The Flesh Prevails." Just anything on that album, is just mind blowing to me. That dude's guitar style and his tone, it's just... bad ass.
Brandon: At this point in my life, I would have to say the title track of "Phantasmagore" by Deadsy. Not many people may be familiar with that band in general, but when I first heard that song after I bought the album itself in 2006, I had goosebumps. It’s sort of a spooky kind of intro that leads into this fat fuzz guitar riff and melodic synth that for some reason makes me think of the ghost forest in Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door on Gamecube every time I hear it. The lyrics are very abstract to me, but also feels extremely deep in meaning. I think the album itself was inspired by a sort of Lou Reed vibe, and that got me to know that name at the time.
13. Metallica Named 'World’s Biggest Touring Act' According To New Study
MPAP: Even though they’ve released a few records that some fans can’t stand, that still hasn’t stopped them by selling over 22 million tickets and grossed $1.4 billion in touring since 1982. That’s very impressive. So, I guess the question would be, lets rain on their parade for a moment, what’s your least favorite Metallica song that you must turn off or turn down when it’s on the radio? And by no means, this is no disrespect to Metallica at all. I think they are man enough to handle hearing which songs or albums are not fan favorites. It's just for fun and games, until we shot our eye out.
Cole: I have never heard St. Anger on the radio or XM. I'm probably going to get a lot of shit for saying this, but there's a few songs on St. Anger I actually enjoyed, but I mean, if there's anything from Metallica I hear on the radio, it's from their earlier albums or Load or Reload and anything on those two albums, I turn off. Sometimes, anything on the Black album. Just because it's so over-played. Maybe "Enter Sandman" because I played that song to death when I was learning guitar, and it comes on all the time.
Brandon: I must admit personally I have not listened to a lot of Metallica since high school, but I jumped into Megadeth in the late 2000s. It really is nothing against their music or them specifically, I just haven’t dumped myself into a head space where I could explore their legacy. I don’t side with Metallica or Megadeth specifically in terms of which one is better. I think both have great classics and their histories forgiven as they’ve aged. It is a plan eventually to really dive in, considering they are a part of the history of a genre I enjoy more than most others. Maybe saying that can inspire someone to listen to a band they haven’t listened to and have been wanting to but have been hesitant. Like I only know two Slayer songs and was never a super fan, but I saw them live and was impressed enough that I wanted to learn more. It’s never too late to discover a band’s musical history or anything.
MPAP: Some great answers. On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Brandon and Cole, for taking the time to answer these. We look forward to what the Brandon Sills Project does to finish out 2019 and beyond.
Brandon: Thank you first and foremost, again. It was great to read through all of this and reflect upon various topics together, whether large or small.
MPAP: Any last words for all your fans out there?
Cole: If I have any, thank you. I would probably encourage you to go find new music to listen to, on top of what you're already listening to. Sitting there listening to the same 12 or 13 bands all the time kind of gets monotonous and you'll get bored with it. Like I said earlier, I try to find new bands to listen to, or rediscover bands I used to listen to years ago that didn't click with me, and now they do. You'll see yourself evolve.
Brandon: Even if you don’t share similar morals or values, it costs you nothing to be excellent to each other. You’re not going to do anything great with your life if you’re poisoning others, so just be understanding and patient if you can. It’s all about respect and growth. And don’t forget your local bands or musicians. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders if you can, and find things that make you happy. Don’t let anyone take that from you, and if they try, they are not worth your time. All that positive stuff. Watch out for one another and help keep things safe and enjoyable for all.
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