Music News Headline Answers With Brandon Sills Project's
Brandon Sills
December 22nd, 2019
Metal Pulp And Paper: Thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to be a part of Metal Pulp And Paper’s 3rd installment of Recent Music News Headline Questions. How are you doing?
Brandon Sills: At the moment, not too bad. It is a good Thursday, so far. Hopefully, you’re well.
MPAP: Before we get started, tell us a little about your band. And, of course, if you’ve got new music, or new music coming out soon, please tell us about it.
Brandon: Brandon Sills Project is a multi-genre music project/band I started in 2011. It has been a fun run so far and trying to keep it going currently with future plans that are getting pushed back a bit due to technical issues. While I try to resolve them, I’ve been planning some work on creating video content for YouTube to help people learn things from a perspective, whether right or wrong and use that to get better at what may be presented. Also, in the plans, for now, is attending NAMM 2020 in the hopes that I can maximize this opportunity as work and vacation, but treat it organically. Fixing the last stretch of computer component issues is a main priority in the meantime, so work can go unhindered by a vast array of blue screens that no company could figure out (or gave the most typical B.S. response without listening to the problems listed). We have picked up a drummer recently as well and am hoping our first collaborative effort can be done soon, and share in the powerhouse of all of our skill sets flexing limitless potential.
MPAP: So, just in case the reader is new to this, and to make sure everyone is on the same page on how this works, we’ve pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions and get your answers and reactions. We’ve been doing this for a couple of months now, with different headlines each time, and it has been fun to read everyone’s answers so far. So, once again, please place seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, hang on, here we go.
1. Real Housewife Wearing Metallica Shirt Asked To Name 3 Of Their Songs, She Cannot
MPAP: Some talk show, on the Bravo! channel had The Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard as a guest. She was wearing a Metallica Lady Liberty And Justice For All shirt, and a caller called into the show and asked the host of it if Candiace could name three songs by Metallica. She pretty much had no clue who the band was, and obviously, she couldn’t name three songs by them either. Do you believe if you wear the band’s shirt, you should at least know maybe who the group is?
Brandon: This is a 50/50 split for me. On one side, I’m thinking 'yes' because band merch will attract people with like-minded tastes, and they often will rage out if they think they found 'their kind,' and the person just goes 'derp' right on the spot when asked. On the other half, I’m thinking 'no' because that’s advertisement right there no matter what. Good or bad publicity, seeing easily identifiable merch of a band in a place can give room for people to discover who it is if the design or the name catches interest. Maybe next season, they’ll have someone wearing a shirt from Brojob or HORSE the Band. No one entirely knows. But the final answer, I guess, should be 'no' for me. It’s merch, it’s an advertisement, and it’s warmth and cover-up for people. No harm.
2. Mosh Pit & Wall Of Death Break Out During The Village People’s Set At Riot Fest
MPAP: You would have never really expected something like this too of happened now, would you? And to be honest, I didn’t know The Village People were still together and performing, but they are. That just shows you metal music fans can always have fun even if it is moshing to songs like "Y.M.C.A.," or "Macho Man" by The Village People at a music festival. Now, what is something you’ve seen happen while performing, or while at a show that you weren’t expecting to see or have occurred?
Brandon: It is definitely insane to know they’ve been pushing their career as a group for this long. Definitely commend them for continuing as they see fit, though. And there will always be fans who appreciate and absorb other genres who can get down with timeless classics, even if it’s slam dancing to the beat. As for the unexpected during performances or at shows, I remember this bassist Jerry Montano, originally a member of Hellyeah, was on tour with a band somewhere around 2014 or so. His bass amp was not working, or his bass was busted, and he was trying to fix it but was frustrated. A buddy of mine was trying to point this out to him, and suddenly it looked like he wanted to throw fists to the death. We both were like, 'what the hell is this guy’s problem?' but at least, later on, it was cleared up, no bad blood. But I thought for a few minutes something was actually going to go down. Maybe a tip for touring musicians that if an audience member is pointing something out or wants to help and knows what they’re talking about, don’t flip on them and remain calm.
3. Reminder: Metallica Will Never Play The Super Bowl
MPAP: Every year when the Super Bowl announces who is going to be their half time show, metal music fans are pissed off because it’s never a metal band or even a hard-rock band for that matter. For almost five years fans have wanted Metallica to host the Super Bowl halftime show. Fans also started a petition to get them to play at the 50th Super Bowl halftime show in 2015. Metallica would be an excellent choice to be a part of it, they’ve won Grammy awards, they are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have toured just about everywhere in the World, and just recently they were named the World’s biggest touring act. What are your thoughts on this? Why do you think metal music is always going to get snubbed at the Super Bowl?
Brandon: The Super Bowl is one of those annual events where every corporate entity, including shareholders, labels, advertisers, you name it; they’re going to have some say in the matter. Those would be large reasons why Metallica or any other metal band may never be invited to host and perform. It’s all about pop music because it’s considered friendly where it counts the most: family. Despite the Super Bowl mostly being watched by adults during prime time hours on major networks, it’s easier to push things like 'happy music' and 'sex' and whatnot. It is unfortunate that this is what has to be done to help sell anything. Rabid fans would need to step up and create one of the most viral campaigns and keep it trending for weeks or months to get the attention needed to open discussions for it. People of the internet: you now have your mission.
4. Slipknot’s Corey Taylor Doesn’t Believe Drugs & Alcohol Makes You Write Better Music
MPAP: What are your thoughts? Do you think drugs and alcohol bring out the creativity in a musician or can kill it?
Brandon: Honestly, that era has died, in my opinion. Many musicians from blues and jazz to metal and rock were historically known to dabble recreationally or have an outright addiction to any given substance. The Beatles experimented with LSD for Revolver, for example. Fast forward to now, the last album I can think of that was phenomenal as a result of drugs being involved was Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar or Mechanical Animals, even if the latter wasn’t as strongly fueled but more inspired by. Now, I’m not condoning usage personally, but maybe it might. I’ll admit, I’ve done psilocybin three times in my life, and two of them actually brought me to clarity after coming full down, where I wrote some of my strongest ideas of the time and could have virtually started my own religion, as I was told in those days. I couldn’t go as far as meth or heroin like my icons did in the 90s, because I find those to be things that take a still-pure person and turn them slowly into a monster that can’t handle facing its own demons or something. Ultimately, I’d want to tell Corey it’s really circumstantial, and not everything is truly bad for the sake of 'setting your own mood' for your creativity. Think back to what collectively happened in all of Slipknot’s past, especially the dark times of Iowa... I’m sure some stuff had happened, and I mean no offense by that assumption.
5. Steel Panther Frontman: If I Could Bring One Musician Back From The Dead, It’d Be Motley Crue’s Vince Neil
MPAP: This headline started some mudslinging between both of the bands because obviously, Vince Neil isn’t dead; he’s just a bit overweight and can’t sing like he used to be able to do as he did in the 80s and 90s. I don’t see them ever going out on tour together anytime soon, but anyway, if you could bring any musician back from the dead, who would you choose, and why?
Brandon: Steel Panther is comedy gold to me. The fact this blew up like it did just solidifies the comedy aspect. I’ve heard nothing positive of Motley Crue the last few years over inabilities to perform vocals and a variety of other things suggesting being ripped off for ticket prices, up to the latest news of tour costs. But, if it cools down soon, who knows. As far as bringing a musician back from the dead? Honestly, this world currently needs more David Bowie, to be honest. That was a sad moment in time.
6. Green Jelly Track Down Deadbeat Promoter And Get Paid
MPAP: A promoter stiffs Green Jelly after they performed at Old East 765 Bar & Grill in Canada, and vocalist Bill Manspeaker, as he states in his cellphone video made looking for Marcus the promoter, 'I ain’t the guy to fuck with.' So, the band tracks down the promoter and finds his home and demands the money owed to them. It’s funny to watch because at one-point Manspeaker is knocking on his door, saying, "Little pig, little pig, let me in." In the end, Marcus ends up paying the band half of what money was owed to them, but at least he walked away with kneecaps still in place. So, has anything like this happened to you before, and would you do something like this?
Brandon: The fact of the matter is, if you’re in that line of business, don’t ultra-fuck with someone who comes with a cost, especially if it’s an entity that’s been around for over 30 years. That’s a business you’re doing business with, and businesses come with costs. The fact that the guy at least paid up half isn’t bad, but I hope that’s a lesson in the news to promoters who deal with costly business. Don’t screw your client. Nothing like this has happened to me before, but if I were screwed out of enough money that it jeopardized my rent and bills, I would probably do the same thing, to be honest. I wouldn’t drop someone’s kneecaps, though. Let the guilty party wander in their own mind of what might happen. That’s torture enough until they change the game.
7. Morbid Angel & Obituary Featured As An Answer On Jeopardy!
MPAP: Jeopardy has featured answers on other episodes about popular metal bands such as Megadeth, Rob Zombie, and Five Finger Death Punch, but never had any answers quite like this one. One of the writers on the hit television show has to be a metalhead for sure! So, in case you missed this episode, Alex Trebek said, 'Morbid Angel and Obituary are popular bands in this genre,' and contestant Dhruv Gaur answered with 'What is Death Metal.' Pretty cool when things like this are showing up on a popular television show. Now, if you or your band were to be mentioned on Jeopardy, what would the answer and question be? Let’s see how creative you are.
Brandon: It’s definitely a positive experience in the metal community to have two bands and a genre properly identified, at least. I may have caught a clip of it on YouTube, but I don’t remember at this moment. The signal at least grows a bit stronger. I know the chances of people going and checking them out based on that moment may be small, considering there’s a lot of people who don’t have an open mind to new things musically or they have a limit to 'heavy and loud' no matter the era it came from. But still, a nice 'sweet' moment to have. 'Many philosophies collide with real-life observations and surreal dreams in this band. What is the Brandon Sills Project?'
8. Oops! Stadium Accidentally Leaves Rammstein Song Blasting All Night, Annoying Neighbor
MPAP: Someone at Budapest’s Puksas Arena just happened to leave the sound system on blasting the song "Deutschland" all night long, over and over. It’s an open-air stadium that’s under construction, so the loud music bothered all that lived nearby. That worker should have had a bigger playlist than just the one song; maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad then, right? So, since the subject of the headline is about something that annoyed people, let’s find out from you; what annoys you, whether it’s out on the road, at a show, in the recording studio, or even when you’re at home, what annoy's you the most?
Brandon: All you need to know is 'yes' to everything because you can’t go wrong with some Rammstein. Though if there was a larger playlist, more Rammstein would be mandatory, and nothing else, so sayeth a German or Swedish friend of mine… or something. What annoys me the most usually is a tie: People who interrupt me when I’m trying to seriously explain something with the expectation of a logical rebuttal or challenge, and people who impede my walking speed by walking in front of me and sort of start-stopping me in my path, or they steer their walking into me. It isn’t a Mario Kart race or anything. I’m a very patient person truthfully, but that shit tests my patience real hard these days, and I do try to respect the circumstances.
9. Tool Threatening To Eject Fans From Shows If They’re Caught Using Their Phones
MPAP: Once again, cellphone use at concerts makes the headlines. If you don’t remember, but a couple of years ago during a performance of Maynard’s other band A Perfect Circle, 60 people were kicked out for filming the show with their phones. And even Jack White (The White Stripes) has a no cell phone policy at his shows. So, what’s your take on it? Are cellphones that much of a distraction to where the fan should be kicked out? Do fans need to watch the show instead of looking at their phones? Does it even matter since they paid for their ticket already?
Brandon: I’ll be honest myself here; cell phones, if used sparingly at shows, can help you enjoy the show more, rather than just filming the whole thing or streaming it live on Facebook. Take a few pics, take a few vids, and watch with your own eyes. That’s what you paid to see, so watch it with your own eyes. I wouldn’t put a hard policy on my own shows telling people if they were caught using their phone for more than 10 minutes straight that they’d be booted out. They are indeed a distraction from seeing the full performance, but the fans shouldn’t be kicked out. Not unless if they’re acting in a belligerent way to impede others’ enjoyment of the show.
10. Windhand Robed In Houston, Post List Of Stolen Gear & Belongings
MPAP: This happens way too often, it seems. It’s hard enough to make a living being a musician, and then you have a douchebag, or douchebags, break into your trailer or van and steal all your stuff while you’re out on the road. So, when you are out on tour, what extra precautions have you taken so that this hopefully doesn’t happen to you?
Brandon: It’s unfortunate that people decide to steal people’s livelihoods out of their touring vehicles. If you have stolen gear from a band, local or touring, because you’re a broke-ass or because you want it for your own, stop being a broke-ass little bitch and work hard or be fiscally responsible enough to afford it on your own hard-earned dime. This is something I haven’t done yet, but it’s a smart thing that any musician out there should do, as it can save you a lot of hassle with recovering everything. The added benefit is it can put a criminal in jail, and you might be able to press additional charges with a legal case. All of your music equipment commonly has information like Make and Model, but you also have serial numbers and other additional information. Write this stuff down on paper at home or make a Google Drive spreadsheet with the Make/Model, Serial Number, and any other additional information that can identify your stolen equipment. If you have computers with identifiable information on it as well externally, Google Drive spreadsheet is your friend! Don’t forget to obviously call your local authorities and report it, and post on social media to boost the signal. Because honestly, one day in your career, it’s going to happen to you even if you have top quality padlocks and trailers and a roadie to watch over everything. There will be a moment where thieves get slick and can make out with a few thousand dollars worth of your shit.
11. Machine Head Show Paused, Partially Ruined After Fan Throws Beer On The Soundboard
MPAP: This happened at a show at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, England, and a fan, more like an asshole, threw a 32-ounce beer on the soundboard. After a 20-minute delay, Machine Head was able to finish the show, but not with the highest quality sound after that. First off, what a dick move to do something like that, almost ruining it for a sold-out crowd, and second, I’m sure soundboards aren't cheap, and third, who throws a 32-ounce full beer? I don’t know what beer costs there in London, but in the US, a beer that size would cost more than likely $30. So, what a waste to throw a beer. Anyways, has this ever happened to you where you saw something was thrown from the crowd, and it abruptly stopped the show for a while, and what happened?
Brandon: Hopefully, that person got called out for doing that. It’s sort of a 'tight schedule' for most venues as well as touring bands because you have to travel between cities and arrive by X time for soundcheck and whatnot. Musicians know what I’m talking about. I would be mad as hell personally, but I would also take the downtime to connect with the fans as best possible and let them know I genuinely give a shit about them spending their time with me and whomever else. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed anything like that or something that stopped a show outright in my life. Most I’ve seen at shows thrown usually have been CDs in the old days when those were 'valuable calling cards' and bras and shoes and all that kind of shit. One thing I hope to see get thrown that doesn’t stop a show would be a couple of vibrators because I would find that comedic. Admit it; if you were at a metal show and you saw freshly purchased sex toys getting tossed around, you’d be laughing too, like 'what the fuck is happening here?!'
12. Australia To Shut Down Highway For AC/DC Tribute Bands In 2020
MPAP: How cool is this? On February 19th, 2020, marks the 40th anniversary of vocalist Bon Scott’s death, and the city of Perth is celebrating by shutting down six miles of the Canning Highway to celebrate so AC/DC tribute bands playing live on slow-moving trailers can drive through like a festival parade. In your hometown, what would you like the city to shut down for you or your band so everyone can celebrate?
Brandon: I think that would be a great way to pay tribute to a historical figure in our musical culture of the 20th century. One thing I would expect of it is that everybody can play all songs in-sync across the stretch, like the huge number of musicians in Italy (I think) who made a video for Dave Grohl and got Foo Fighters to play a show for them from the sheer amount of tribute they paid. With AC/DC, though, I would hope it keeps a light on them, and the remaining members themselves enjoy the event if they aren’t taking part in it. If I were put on that level, I would hope for the entire stretch of Highway 213 inside the legal boundaries of Oregon City, Oregon. Do all the loud stuff there. For the 'final' tributes of the day, set up some pianos on the sidewalk outside the hospital I was born in and play like two or three songs, original or interpretation.
13. Brazilian Researcher Names New Spider Species After Iron Maiden, Scorpions, & Angra Members
MPAP: Christina Rheims is a researcher in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and recently discovered four new spider species and happens to be a big fan of heavy metal music. Can’t get any better than that. She named the four new species Extraordinarius bruceickinsoni, Extraordinarius klausmeinei, Extraordinarius rickalleni and Extraordinarius andrematosi, after Iron Maiden's vocalist Bruce Dickinson, Scorpions vocalist Klaus Meine, Def Leppard's drummer Rick Allen, and Angra's vocalist Andre Matos. If she happens to find another species of spiders and you’re next in line to be named after, what would you wanted the spider’s scientific name to be?
Brandon: It’s pretty metal to be associated with new species, especially if they’re poisonous. That’s not trying to say Poison is metal as a pun, though. But to be able to discover new species of various lifeforms on this planet, as a metal fan, and stamp it with something you’re passionate about? I’ll consider it legendary! I would have to know what the properties of the spider were before I considered an idea for a scientific name. Is it a hunter, is it poisonous, is it more beneficial to other creatures, etc. Because then I would have to consider from those kinds of properties to give it something deceiving or epic.
MPAP: Those are some great answers. On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to answer these recent music news headline questions. We look forward to what your band, Brandon Sills Project, does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
Brandon: Thank you for having a fun and new set of questions to get to think about! At this point, we’re probably gonna be finishing out 2020 more than 2019. But a new set of words to offer here: Cover all your bases, keep a clear line of communication open, do not wait to discuss things if it’s important as it’ll further divide and destroy. With some recent events I’ve been observing the last few days as of writing this, it does not hurt to be there for friends or family who are suffering with depression. The holidays can possibly be hardest on a few select individuals, so show them you give an actual flying fuck about them. Text them, call them, go to their front door and pound on it like the cops if you have to get their attention. Just find a way to show them how important they are, not just to you, but to others they call friends. Find a way to show them how much they matter in this lifetime. You will beat yourself up with regret if something happened to them that was final.
Brandon Sills
December 22nd, 2019
Metal Pulp And Paper: Thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to be a part of Metal Pulp And Paper’s 3rd installment of Recent Music News Headline Questions. How are you doing?
Brandon Sills: At the moment, not too bad. It is a good Thursday, so far. Hopefully, you’re well.
MPAP: Before we get started, tell us a little about your band. And, of course, if you’ve got new music, or new music coming out soon, please tell us about it.
Brandon: Brandon Sills Project is a multi-genre music project/band I started in 2011. It has been a fun run so far and trying to keep it going currently with future plans that are getting pushed back a bit due to technical issues. While I try to resolve them, I’ve been planning some work on creating video content for YouTube to help people learn things from a perspective, whether right or wrong and use that to get better at what may be presented. Also, in the plans, for now, is attending NAMM 2020 in the hopes that I can maximize this opportunity as work and vacation, but treat it organically. Fixing the last stretch of computer component issues is a main priority in the meantime, so work can go unhindered by a vast array of blue screens that no company could figure out (or gave the most typical B.S. response without listening to the problems listed). We have picked up a drummer recently as well and am hoping our first collaborative effort can be done soon, and share in the powerhouse of all of our skill sets flexing limitless potential.
MPAP: So, just in case the reader is new to this, and to make sure everyone is on the same page on how this works, we’ve pulled some recent music news headlines from the Metal Injection website and turned them into questions and get your answers and reactions. We’ve been doing this for a couple of months now, with different headlines each time, and it has been fun to read everyone’s answers so far. So, once again, please place seat backs and tray tables in the upright position, hang on, here we go.
1. Real Housewife Wearing Metallica Shirt Asked To Name 3 Of Their Songs, She Cannot
MPAP: Some talk show, on the Bravo! channel had The Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard as a guest. She was wearing a Metallica Lady Liberty And Justice For All shirt, and a caller called into the show and asked the host of it if Candiace could name three songs by Metallica. She pretty much had no clue who the band was, and obviously, she couldn’t name three songs by them either. Do you believe if you wear the band’s shirt, you should at least know maybe who the group is?
Brandon: This is a 50/50 split for me. On one side, I’m thinking 'yes' because band merch will attract people with like-minded tastes, and they often will rage out if they think they found 'their kind,' and the person just goes 'derp' right on the spot when asked. On the other half, I’m thinking 'no' because that’s advertisement right there no matter what. Good or bad publicity, seeing easily identifiable merch of a band in a place can give room for people to discover who it is if the design or the name catches interest. Maybe next season, they’ll have someone wearing a shirt from Brojob or HORSE the Band. No one entirely knows. But the final answer, I guess, should be 'no' for me. It’s merch, it’s an advertisement, and it’s warmth and cover-up for people. No harm.
2. Mosh Pit & Wall Of Death Break Out During The Village People’s Set At Riot Fest
MPAP: You would have never really expected something like this too of happened now, would you? And to be honest, I didn’t know The Village People were still together and performing, but they are. That just shows you metal music fans can always have fun even if it is moshing to songs like "Y.M.C.A.," or "Macho Man" by The Village People at a music festival. Now, what is something you’ve seen happen while performing, or while at a show that you weren’t expecting to see or have occurred?
Brandon: It is definitely insane to know they’ve been pushing their career as a group for this long. Definitely commend them for continuing as they see fit, though. And there will always be fans who appreciate and absorb other genres who can get down with timeless classics, even if it’s slam dancing to the beat. As for the unexpected during performances or at shows, I remember this bassist Jerry Montano, originally a member of Hellyeah, was on tour with a band somewhere around 2014 or so. His bass amp was not working, or his bass was busted, and he was trying to fix it but was frustrated. A buddy of mine was trying to point this out to him, and suddenly it looked like he wanted to throw fists to the death. We both were like, 'what the hell is this guy’s problem?' but at least, later on, it was cleared up, no bad blood. But I thought for a few minutes something was actually going to go down. Maybe a tip for touring musicians that if an audience member is pointing something out or wants to help and knows what they’re talking about, don’t flip on them and remain calm.
3. Reminder: Metallica Will Never Play The Super Bowl
MPAP: Every year when the Super Bowl announces who is going to be their half time show, metal music fans are pissed off because it’s never a metal band or even a hard-rock band for that matter. For almost five years fans have wanted Metallica to host the Super Bowl halftime show. Fans also started a petition to get them to play at the 50th Super Bowl halftime show in 2015. Metallica would be an excellent choice to be a part of it, they’ve won Grammy awards, they are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have toured just about everywhere in the World, and just recently they were named the World’s biggest touring act. What are your thoughts on this? Why do you think metal music is always going to get snubbed at the Super Bowl?
Brandon: The Super Bowl is one of those annual events where every corporate entity, including shareholders, labels, advertisers, you name it; they’re going to have some say in the matter. Those would be large reasons why Metallica or any other metal band may never be invited to host and perform. It’s all about pop music because it’s considered friendly where it counts the most: family. Despite the Super Bowl mostly being watched by adults during prime time hours on major networks, it’s easier to push things like 'happy music' and 'sex' and whatnot. It is unfortunate that this is what has to be done to help sell anything. Rabid fans would need to step up and create one of the most viral campaigns and keep it trending for weeks or months to get the attention needed to open discussions for it. People of the internet: you now have your mission.
4. Slipknot’s Corey Taylor Doesn’t Believe Drugs & Alcohol Makes You Write Better Music
MPAP: What are your thoughts? Do you think drugs and alcohol bring out the creativity in a musician or can kill it?
Brandon: Honestly, that era has died, in my opinion. Many musicians from blues and jazz to metal and rock were historically known to dabble recreationally or have an outright addiction to any given substance. The Beatles experimented with LSD for Revolver, for example. Fast forward to now, the last album I can think of that was phenomenal as a result of drugs being involved was Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar or Mechanical Animals, even if the latter wasn’t as strongly fueled but more inspired by. Now, I’m not condoning usage personally, but maybe it might. I’ll admit, I’ve done psilocybin three times in my life, and two of them actually brought me to clarity after coming full down, where I wrote some of my strongest ideas of the time and could have virtually started my own religion, as I was told in those days. I couldn’t go as far as meth or heroin like my icons did in the 90s, because I find those to be things that take a still-pure person and turn them slowly into a monster that can’t handle facing its own demons or something. Ultimately, I’d want to tell Corey it’s really circumstantial, and not everything is truly bad for the sake of 'setting your own mood' for your creativity. Think back to what collectively happened in all of Slipknot’s past, especially the dark times of Iowa... I’m sure some stuff had happened, and I mean no offense by that assumption.
5. Steel Panther Frontman: If I Could Bring One Musician Back From The Dead, It’d Be Motley Crue’s Vince Neil
MPAP: This headline started some mudslinging between both of the bands because obviously, Vince Neil isn’t dead; he’s just a bit overweight and can’t sing like he used to be able to do as he did in the 80s and 90s. I don’t see them ever going out on tour together anytime soon, but anyway, if you could bring any musician back from the dead, who would you choose, and why?
Brandon: Steel Panther is comedy gold to me. The fact this blew up like it did just solidifies the comedy aspect. I’ve heard nothing positive of Motley Crue the last few years over inabilities to perform vocals and a variety of other things suggesting being ripped off for ticket prices, up to the latest news of tour costs. But, if it cools down soon, who knows. As far as bringing a musician back from the dead? Honestly, this world currently needs more David Bowie, to be honest. That was a sad moment in time.
6. Green Jelly Track Down Deadbeat Promoter And Get Paid
MPAP: A promoter stiffs Green Jelly after they performed at Old East 765 Bar & Grill in Canada, and vocalist Bill Manspeaker, as he states in his cellphone video made looking for Marcus the promoter, 'I ain’t the guy to fuck with.' So, the band tracks down the promoter and finds his home and demands the money owed to them. It’s funny to watch because at one-point Manspeaker is knocking on his door, saying, "Little pig, little pig, let me in." In the end, Marcus ends up paying the band half of what money was owed to them, but at least he walked away with kneecaps still in place. So, has anything like this happened to you before, and would you do something like this?
Brandon: The fact of the matter is, if you’re in that line of business, don’t ultra-fuck with someone who comes with a cost, especially if it’s an entity that’s been around for over 30 years. That’s a business you’re doing business with, and businesses come with costs. The fact that the guy at least paid up half isn’t bad, but I hope that’s a lesson in the news to promoters who deal with costly business. Don’t screw your client. Nothing like this has happened to me before, but if I were screwed out of enough money that it jeopardized my rent and bills, I would probably do the same thing, to be honest. I wouldn’t drop someone’s kneecaps, though. Let the guilty party wander in their own mind of what might happen. That’s torture enough until they change the game.
7. Morbid Angel & Obituary Featured As An Answer On Jeopardy!
MPAP: Jeopardy has featured answers on other episodes about popular metal bands such as Megadeth, Rob Zombie, and Five Finger Death Punch, but never had any answers quite like this one. One of the writers on the hit television show has to be a metalhead for sure! So, in case you missed this episode, Alex Trebek said, 'Morbid Angel and Obituary are popular bands in this genre,' and contestant Dhruv Gaur answered with 'What is Death Metal.' Pretty cool when things like this are showing up on a popular television show. Now, if you or your band were to be mentioned on Jeopardy, what would the answer and question be? Let’s see how creative you are.
Brandon: It’s definitely a positive experience in the metal community to have two bands and a genre properly identified, at least. I may have caught a clip of it on YouTube, but I don’t remember at this moment. The signal at least grows a bit stronger. I know the chances of people going and checking them out based on that moment may be small, considering there’s a lot of people who don’t have an open mind to new things musically or they have a limit to 'heavy and loud' no matter the era it came from. But still, a nice 'sweet' moment to have. 'Many philosophies collide with real-life observations and surreal dreams in this band. What is the Brandon Sills Project?'
8. Oops! Stadium Accidentally Leaves Rammstein Song Blasting All Night, Annoying Neighbor
MPAP: Someone at Budapest’s Puksas Arena just happened to leave the sound system on blasting the song "Deutschland" all night long, over and over. It’s an open-air stadium that’s under construction, so the loud music bothered all that lived nearby. That worker should have had a bigger playlist than just the one song; maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad then, right? So, since the subject of the headline is about something that annoyed people, let’s find out from you; what annoys you, whether it’s out on the road, at a show, in the recording studio, or even when you’re at home, what annoy's you the most?
Brandon: All you need to know is 'yes' to everything because you can’t go wrong with some Rammstein. Though if there was a larger playlist, more Rammstein would be mandatory, and nothing else, so sayeth a German or Swedish friend of mine… or something. What annoys me the most usually is a tie: People who interrupt me when I’m trying to seriously explain something with the expectation of a logical rebuttal or challenge, and people who impede my walking speed by walking in front of me and sort of start-stopping me in my path, or they steer their walking into me. It isn’t a Mario Kart race or anything. I’m a very patient person truthfully, but that shit tests my patience real hard these days, and I do try to respect the circumstances.
9. Tool Threatening To Eject Fans From Shows If They’re Caught Using Their Phones
MPAP: Once again, cellphone use at concerts makes the headlines. If you don’t remember, but a couple of years ago during a performance of Maynard’s other band A Perfect Circle, 60 people were kicked out for filming the show with their phones. And even Jack White (The White Stripes) has a no cell phone policy at his shows. So, what’s your take on it? Are cellphones that much of a distraction to where the fan should be kicked out? Do fans need to watch the show instead of looking at their phones? Does it even matter since they paid for their ticket already?
Brandon: I’ll be honest myself here; cell phones, if used sparingly at shows, can help you enjoy the show more, rather than just filming the whole thing or streaming it live on Facebook. Take a few pics, take a few vids, and watch with your own eyes. That’s what you paid to see, so watch it with your own eyes. I wouldn’t put a hard policy on my own shows telling people if they were caught using their phone for more than 10 minutes straight that they’d be booted out. They are indeed a distraction from seeing the full performance, but the fans shouldn’t be kicked out. Not unless if they’re acting in a belligerent way to impede others’ enjoyment of the show.
10. Windhand Robed In Houston, Post List Of Stolen Gear & Belongings
MPAP: This happens way too often, it seems. It’s hard enough to make a living being a musician, and then you have a douchebag, or douchebags, break into your trailer or van and steal all your stuff while you’re out on the road. So, when you are out on tour, what extra precautions have you taken so that this hopefully doesn’t happen to you?
Brandon: It’s unfortunate that people decide to steal people’s livelihoods out of their touring vehicles. If you have stolen gear from a band, local or touring, because you’re a broke-ass or because you want it for your own, stop being a broke-ass little bitch and work hard or be fiscally responsible enough to afford it on your own hard-earned dime. This is something I haven’t done yet, but it’s a smart thing that any musician out there should do, as it can save you a lot of hassle with recovering everything. The added benefit is it can put a criminal in jail, and you might be able to press additional charges with a legal case. All of your music equipment commonly has information like Make and Model, but you also have serial numbers and other additional information. Write this stuff down on paper at home or make a Google Drive spreadsheet with the Make/Model, Serial Number, and any other additional information that can identify your stolen equipment. If you have computers with identifiable information on it as well externally, Google Drive spreadsheet is your friend! Don’t forget to obviously call your local authorities and report it, and post on social media to boost the signal. Because honestly, one day in your career, it’s going to happen to you even if you have top quality padlocks and trailers and a roadie to watch over everything. There will be a moment where thieves get slick and can make out with a few thousand dollars worth of your shit.
11. Machine Head Show Paused, Partially Ruined After Fan Throws Beer On The Soundboard
MPAP: This happened at a show at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, England, and a fan, more like an asshole, threw a 32-ounce beer on the soundboard. After a 20-minute delay, Machine Head was able to finish the show, but not with the highest quality sound after that. First off, what a dick move to do something like that, almost ruining it for a sold-out crowd, and second, I’m sure soundboards aren't cheap, and third, who throws a 32-ounce full beer? I don’t know what beer costs there in London, but in the US, a beer that size would cost more than likely $30. So, what a waste to throw a beer. Anyways, has this ever happened to you where you saw something was thrown from the crowd, and it abruptly stopped the show for a while, and what happened?
Brandon: Hopefully, that person got called out for doing that. It’s sort of a 'tight schedule' for most venues as well as touring bands because you have to travel between cities and arrive by X time for soundcheck and whatnot. Musicians know what I’m talking about. I would be mad as hell personally, but I would also take the downtime to connect with the fans as best possible and let them know I genuinely give a shit about them spending their time with me and whomever else. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed anything like that or something that stopped a show outright in my life. Most I’ve seen at shows thrown usually have been CDs in the old days when those were 'valuable calling cards' and bras and shoes and all that kind of shit. One thing I hope to see get thrown that doesn’t stop a show would be a couple of vibrators because I would find that comedic. Admit it; if you were at a metal show and you saw freshly purchased sex toys getting tossed around, you’d be laughing too, like 'what the fuck is happening here?!'
12. Australia To Shut Down Highway For AC/DC Tribute Bands In 2020
MPAP: How cool is this? On February 19th, 2020, marks the 40th anniversary of vocalist Bon Scott’s death, and the city of Perth is celebrating by shutting down six miles of the Canning Highway to celebrate so AC/DC tribute bands playing live on slow-moving trailers can drive through like a festival parade. In your hometown, what would you like the city to shut down for you or your band so everyone can celebrate?
Brandon: I think that would be a great way to pay tribute to a historical figure in our musical culture of the 20th century. One thing I would expect of it is that everybody can play all songs in-sync across the stretch, like the huge number of musicians in Italy (I think) who made a video for Dave Grohl and got Foo Fighters to play a show for them from the sheer amount of tribute they paid. With AC/DC, though, I would hope it keeps a light on them, and the remaining members themselves enjoy the event if they aren’t taking part in it. If I were put on that level, I would hope for the entire stretch of Highway 213 inside the legal boundaries of Oregon City, Oregon. Do all the loud stuff there. For the 'final' tributes of the day, set up some pianos on the sidewalk outside the hospital I was born in and play like two or three songs, original or interpretation.
13. Brazilian Researcher Names New Spider Species After Iron Maiden, Scorpions, & Angra Members
MPAP: Christina Rheims is a researcher in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and recently discovered four new spider species and happens to be a big fan of heavy metal music. Can’t get any better than that. She named the four new species Extraordinarius bruceickinsoni, Extraordinarius klausmeinei, Extraordinarius rickalleni and Extraordinarius andrematosi, after Iron Maiden's vocalist Bruce Dickinson, Scorpions vocalist Klaus Meine, Def Leppard's drummer Rick Allen, and Angra's vocalist Andre Matos. If she happens to find another species of spiders and you’re next in line to be named after, what would you wanted the spider’s scientific name to be?
Brandon: It’s pretty metal to be associated with new species, especially if they’re poisonous. That’s not trying to say Poison is metal as a pun, though. But to be able to discover new species of various lifeforms on this planet, as a metal fan, and stamp it with something you’re passionate about? I’ll consider it legendary! I would have to know what the properties of the spider were before I considered an idea for a scientific name. Is it a hunter, is it poisonous, is it more beneficial to other creatures, etc. Because then I would have to consider from those kinds of properties to give it something deceiving or epic.
MPAP: Those are some great answers. On behalf of Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to answer these recent music news headline questions. We look forward to what your band, Brandon Sills Project, does to finish out 2019 and beyond. Any last words for all your fans out there?
Brandon: Thank you for having a fun and new set of questions to get to think about! At this point, we’re probably gonna be finishing out 2020 more than 2019. But a new set of words to offer here: Cover all your bases, keep a clear line of communication open, do not wait to discuss things if it’s important as it’ll further divide and destroy. With some recent events I’ve been observing the last few days as of writing this, it does not hurt to be there for friends or family who are suffering with depression. The holidays can possibly be hardest on a few select individuals, so show them you give an actual flying fuck about them. Text them, call them, go to their front door and pound on it like the cops if you have to get their attention. Just find a way to show them how important they are, not just to you, but to others they call friends. Find a way to show them how much they matter in this lifetime. You will beat yourself up with regret if something happened to them that was final.
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