Living on the edge is a way of life in the rock n’ roll world - ask Motor Gun Hotel frontman and guitarist Jimmy Craig about this and his life is displayed within his lyrics. In fact, the band name came from a moment in his life which ironically is also one of his song titles.
After shuffling around various bands over the , he began writing a collection of songs on his own and auditioning different musicians. He found bassist Phil Luth and drummer Wendy Rose, both who were instantly sold on Motor Gun Hotel’s bluesy yet high energy rock n’roll sound.
" ‘Motor Gun Hotel’ became the name of our band because of a song I wrote in 2004 of the same title. The song is about growing up fast around a lot of bikers and living in and out of hotels throughout my childhood. Once I wrote the song, the title stuck out to me. Ironically, at that time, I was looking to form another band. I had been searching for a good band name that explained where I came from and where I was going. I thought ‘Motor Gun Hotel’ explained it all, and would be a perfect name for this new band I had envisioned,” explained Jimmy.
The trio began playing shows throughout Southern California and instantly built a dedicated fan base, opening for such bands as Death By Stereo, Green Jello, and Vanilla Ice. Their hard work helped them get selected to perform on the 2009 Sunset Strip Music Festival at the Cat Club.
In 2005, Motor Gun Hotel recorded their first CD with producer Dave Waterbury (former Spirit bassist) at Waterbury Productions. From those sessions, filmmakers Arie and Mark Van Schyndel included the song ‘Soul Pilot’ in their film, “Two Wheel Terrors.”
In 2006, the band recorded their second CD at The Sound Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee with engineer JR McNeely (Paramore, Underoath). Songs such as ‘Lift Off’ and ‘How’s It Going’ gained airplay in Southern California on Kat Corbett’s ‘Locals Only’ show on KROQ 106.7 FM, as well as being featured on the station’s 2008 Compilation CD as well as playing several station sponsored events at the Slide Bar in Fullerton, CA. Other regionally syndicated radio shows such as the Frosty Heidi & Frank Show on KLSX FM 97.1 featured them on their ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ segment, as well as the Mark & Brian show on 95.5 KLOS FM. A buzz about Motor Gun Hotel helped attract FUSE TV to feature them in a biography about upcoming rock bands called ‘Rock Bottom’ in 2008. They were featured in publications such as the OC Weekly, the Orange County Register, and Live OC Magazine, which further spread the band’s name.
In 2009, the band recorded a third CD with Waterbury at Waterbury Productions once again. Motor Gun Hotel was selected as the only unsigned nominated act for the 2009 Orange County Music Awards’ Best Metal Band of the Year category, amongst a list of nominees such as Avenged Sevenfold, Bleeding Through and Atreyu. They also were nominated in 2010’s Los Angeles Music Awards’ Best Hard Rock Band.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Jerry Montano Bio
There are very few individuals who have the drive and passion to achieve goals like Jerry Montano. As a professional musician and songwriter, he is one of a few players who have left a lasting impression on and off the stage. Plus his wild, rebellious persona sets him apart from many other players around today. His contributions as a bassist has him taking part in various projects selling over two million records worldwide.
His passion for playing the bass guitar originated after seeing Gene Simmons of KISS, blowing fire and spitting blood everywhere. That image left a lasting impression on a then-five years old Jerry wanting to look and dress like him and further changed his life forever. His love of loud, rebellious music attracted him towards outlaw figures such as David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. Other influences, such as Geezer Butler(Black Sabbath) and Cliff Burton(Metallica) also helped shape his playing style.
“I was always a rock ‘n roll kid. I loved KISS, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N Roses, The Misfits, Motley Crue and Slade. Anything with tons of attitude,” explains Jerry, about his musical background.
His earliest stints began in Suffer, a short lived band featuring Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie bassist) - Notorious Hollywood band 57 Crown alongside Mike Savage (Pygmy Love Circus) Joey Gold (Love/Hate) and desert rock band Unida, featuring former Kyuss vocalist John Garcia. During these years, he played the local music scene, befriending other musicians with whom he would cross paths with much later on.
His edgy playing style drew the attention of The Deadlights(Elektra
Records), with whom they immediately became a large drawing act within Southern California. They recorded their self-titled CD with producer Sylvia Massey (Tool), and then immediately began touring with bands such as Static X and Type O Negative, as well as taking part on the 2000 edition of Ozzfest alongside Ozzy Osbourne,Pantera and Godsmack.
During that Ozzfest, he befriended Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott,
who later asked Jerry to join his side project Gasoline. In 2000, Gasoline performed shows in Dallas, TX, alongside Jerry Cantrell. Playing with power
players like these allowed him a rare opportunity to play in front of crowds very few players get to do within their careers. This time helped shape his sound into something other musicians paid attention to.
His services as a bassist have been enlisted by many bands and had the privilege of touring with a wide variety of artists over the years. He has toured with Nothingface (2001), in support of their VIOLENCE CD, touring with Pantera, Disturbed, Staind and Mudvayne. He later was asked to join and toured with Danzig
(2003), featuring the legendary Glenn Danzig of Misfits and Samhain fame, appearing on various festivals internationally, and recorded Danzig 8: Circle of Snakes and The lost tracks of Danzig. Ironically, Jerry was later asked to play bass with The Danzig/Misfits in 2005 on for first few Blackest of the Black tours and many European festivals.
In 2006, Jerry collaborated with a group of musicians who he had interactions with before. He brought in Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Tribbett, and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott together to shape the supergroup Hellyeah he helped create. He was one of the key songwriters in the band, achieving Gold Status(500,000 plus records sold in the US)
In 2009 Jerry befriended Bill Manspeaker and his multi-platinum band Green Jello. Jerry has been sitting in for shows and tours ever since including Van's Warped Tour 2010.
In May of 2010 Montano announced on the black carpet for The Golden Gods awards he had been writing songs for Vinnie Appice's (Black Sabbath/Dio)untitled project.. And even Shavo from System Of A Down.
Recently, Jerry has been working on a solo project under the moniker Jerry
Montano’s Down & Dirty. Taking what he has learned over the years, he is
branching out musically and creatively, creating some of his most mature sounding works. Musically, it has been described as a hybrid of acoustic and Southern Rock, with some country influences. He has been enjoying branching out into writing songs on his own, and incorporating what he had learned over the years. “Anyone can write a riff. I am more into writing timeless songs. That’s the real magic.”
Jerry endorses Line 6, AmPeg, SIT Strings, EV, Sennheiser Microphones,
Gibson Guitars, Ernie Ball Basses and Zoom.
--Rei Nishimoto 2010
His passion for playing the bass guitar originated after seeing Gene Simmons of KISS, blowing fire and spitting blood everywhere. That image left a lasting impression on a then-five years old Jerry wanting to look and dress like him and further changed his life forever. His love of loud, rebellious music attracted him towards outlaw figures such as David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. Other influences, such as Geezer Butler(Black Sabbath) and Cliff Burton(Metallica) also helped shape his playing style.
“I was always a rock ‘n roll kid. I loved KISS, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N Roses, The Misfits, Motley Crue and Slade. Anything with tons of attitude,” explains Jerry, about his musical background.
His earliest stints began in Suffer, a short lived band featuring Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie bassist) - Notorious Hollywood band 57 Crown alongside Mike Savage (Pygmy Love Circus) Joey Gold (Love/Hate) and desert rock band Unida, featuring former Kyuss vocalist John Garcia. During these years, he played the local music scene, befriending other musicians with whom he would cross paths with much later on.
His edgy playing style drew the attention of The Deadlights(Elektra
Records), with whom they immediately became a large drawing act within Southern California. They recorded their self-titled CD with producer Sylvia Massey (Tool), and then immediately began touring with bands such as Static X and Type O Negative, as well as taking part on the 2000 edition of Ozzfest alongside Ozzy Osbourne,Pantera and Godsmack.
During that Ozzfest, he befriended Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott,
who later asked Jerry to join his side project Gasoline. In 2000, Gasoline performed shows in Dallas, TX, alongside Jerry Cantrell. Playing with power
players like these allowed him a rare opportunity to play in front of crowds very few players get to do within their careers. This time helped shape his sound into something other musicians paid attention to.
His services as a bassist have been enlisted by many bands and had the privilege of touring with a wide variety of artists over the years. He has toured with Nothingface (2001), in support of their VIOLENCE CD, touring with Pantera, Disturbed, Staind and Mudvayne. He later was asked to join and toured with Danzig
(2003), featuring the legendary Glenn Danzig of Misfits and Samhain fame, appearing on various festivals internationally, and recorded Danzig 8: Circle of Snakes and The lost tracks of Danzig. Ironically, Jerry was later asked to play bass with The Danzig/Misfits in 2005 on for first few Blackest of the Black tours and many European festivals.
In 2006, Jerry collaborated with a group of musicians who he had interactions with before. He brought in Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Tribbett, and Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott together to shape the supergroup Hellyeah he helped create. He was one of the key songwriters in the band, achieving Gold Status(500,000 plus records sold in the US)
In 2009 Jerry befriended Bill Manspeaker and his multi-platinum band Green Jello. Jerry has been sitting in for shows and tours ever since including Van's Warped Tour 2010.
In May of 2010 Montano announced on the black carpet for The Golden Gods awards he had been writing songs for Vinnie Appice's (Black Sabbath/Dio)untitled project.. And even Shavo from System Of A Down.
Recently, Jerry has been working on a solo project under the moniker Jerry
Montano’s Down & Dirty. Taking what he has learned over the years, he is
branching out musically and creatively, creating some of his most mature sounding works. Musically, it has been described as a hybrid of acoustic and Southern Rock, with some country influences. He has been enjoying branching out into writing songs on his own, and incorporating what he had learned over the years. “Anyone can write a riff. I am more into writing timeless songs. That’s the real magic.”
Jerry endorses Line 6, AmPeg, SIT Strings, EV, Sennheiser Microphones,
Gibson Guitars, Ernie Ball Basses and Zoom.
--Rei Nishimoto 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Kingsize Press Release (June 14, 2010)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KINGSIZE OFFER FREE DOWNLOAD OF ‘THE TECHNOCRATIC’ VIA WWW.THISISKINGSIZE.COM
JUNE 14, 2010 (LOS ANGELES, CA) – Los Angeles based KINGSIZE is making their first single ‘The Technocratic’ available for free via their official website http://www.thisiskingsize.com. The song has been featured on the popular Kerri Kasem Podcast (www.thekpod.com), also the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Lead vocalist, Jason Thomas Gordon, has been a regularly featured guest, and Kasem herself has championed the band as a longtime fan.
The band’s music has also been used as the theme song for the CBS television series ‘Gary Unmarried’, featuring comedian Jay Mohr. Recently, Kingsize joined forces with Live Nation, House of Blues, and Total Live Music to create The St. Jude Rock ‘n Roll Hope Show - a traveling concert series to benefit the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Their first show kicked off last July with Kingsize in support of Stone Temple Pilots at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, CA. Jason’s grandfather, Danny Thomas, founded the hospital in 1962.
The four piece band consists of Jason, guitarist Cary Beare , bassist Matt DelVecchio, and drummer, Andrew Crosby. Together now for only a couple of years, Kingsize has quickly earned the reputation as one of LA’s most exciting live bands.
The end of 2008 saw the band release two EP’s. A scrappy brother and a dirty sister -The Good Fight and The Bad Night are each a record which glimpses into a world where the Replacements meet Pink Floyd - where Tom Petty meets The Cure – and where Rock ‘n Roll is alive and well.
2010 and the guys are ready to breakthrough on a whole new level. The band has just completed work on their first full length record. ‘The Technocratic’ is a hint of what’s to come. Hear it first by downloading it free – right now at www.thisiskingsize.com.
JUNE 14, 2010 (LOS ANGELES, CA) – Los Angeles based KINGSIZE is making their first single ‘The Technocratic’ available for free via their official website http://www.thisiskingsize.com. The song has been featured on the popular Kerri Kasem Podcast (www.thekpod.com), also the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Lead vocalist, Jason Thomas Gordon, has been a regularly featured guest, and Kasem herself has championed the band as a longtime fan.
The band’s music has also been used as the theme song for the CBS television series ‘Gary Unmarried’, featuring comedian Jay Mohr. Recently, Kingsize joined forces with Live Nation, House of Blues, and Total Live Music to create The St. Jude Rock ‘n Roll Hope Show - a traveling concert series to benefit the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Their first show kicked off last July with Kingsize in support of Stone Temple Pilots at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, CA. Jason’s grandfather, Danny Thomas, founded the hospital in 1962.
The four piece band consists of Jason, guitarist Cary Beare , bassist Matt DelVecchio, and drummer, Andrew Crosby. Together now for only a couple of years, Kingsize has quickly earned the reputation as one of LA’s most exciting live bands.
The end of 2008 saw the band release two EP’s. A scrappy brother and a dirty sister -The Good Fight and The Bad Night are each a record which glimpses into a world where the Replacements meet Pink Floyd - where Tom Petty meets The Cure – and where Rock ‘n Roll is alive and well.
2010 and the guys are ready to breakthrough on a whole new level. The band has just completed work on their first full length record. ‘The Technocratic’ is a hint of what’s to come. Hear it first by downloading it free – right now at www.thisiskingsize.com.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Levon Sultanian Bio
Over the past decade, veteran musician and songwriter Levon Sultanian has been a valuable player within the Los Angeles music scene. His musical journey began on piano at the age of seven, where he studied classical music with his grandfather. He eventually picked up the guitar at age nine. Discovering players such as Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) and Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen, it inspired him to buy his first Fender Stratocaster at age 11.
As a musician, he has played with Onesidezero, recording and writing on their two full length recordings, 2001’s Is This Room Getting Smaller? (Maverick Records), and 2007’s Onesidezero (Corporate Punishment). ‘Tapwater’ was featured in the 2002 film A Walk To Remember (Warner Bros. Pictures), while ‘New World Order’ was featured in the television series Smallville (CW Network), both songs that Levon co-wrote. They toured with Incubus, 311, Rob Zombie, Zebrahead, and the Static X and Soulfly tour, which eventually led to the formation of his next project, Abloom.
In Abloom, Levon had worked with former Soulfly members, drummer Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour), guitarist Mikey Doling (Snot/Invitro), and bassist Marcello Dias (Against All Will/Dead Heart Saints), as well as Onesidezero vocalist Jasan Radford. Within its brief time, the band recorded material with System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, and later opened the Southwestern dates on the Static X/SOiL tour, as well as participating on the 2005 Zippo Tour. Their song ‘What You Came For’ was featured in the B-Movie The Passing.
Levon has since expanded his horizons into other areas, including producing and sound engineering. He has previously worked with producers Ulrich Wild (Static X), Toby Wright (Sevendust, Fear Factory), Jim Wirt (Incubus, Jack’s Mannequin), and John Travis (Kid Rock) on many of his previous musical ventures. His personal credits include classical outfit Kohar, Los Angeles based rock band Red Snow and Russian metal band ANJ (he co-wrote songs and hired as their live guitarist). ANJ was nominated in three categories for the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards - Music Video of the Year, Best Song, International Showcase Artist of the Year, and International Songwriter of the Year.
As a songwriter, he has teamed up with various musical acts to collaborate for songwriting. His understanding and adaptability between different genres of music has made his skills a valuable asset. He has co-written with people such as Poet Named Life, which featured Black Eyed Peas members Jaime Luis “Taboo Nawasha” Gomez and Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda Lindo ; Mazik (Blood of Abraham); and Takbir ‘Tak’ Bashir (Styles of Beyond); as well as a song on Roy Mayorga’s solo album titled ‘Desert Song’ (also featuring Slipknot/Stone Sour guitarist Jim Root).
Levon has been involved with coordinating benefit concerts for various causes. He was involved in four high profile Los Angeles benefit shows - Sultan To Marz Productions – Der Zor Eve Of Justice: A Rock Concert To Benefit Pyunic Disabled Children of Armenia at the Roxy Theater, Amplifly Your Voice Against Genocide” benefit concert for Darfur at the El Rey Theater, Recognize The Armenian Genocide Festival (with Axis of Justice) at the Knitting Factory, and Silenced Cries: A Benefit Concert For Humanity (co-sponsored by the USC Armenian Student Association) at USC Bovard Auditorium (with Jacob Armen). Each of the benefit shows helped raise money for various causes he felt deeply about.
Levon is endorsed by ESP Guitars, Bogner Amplifiers, Dunlop Electronics, Dean Markley Strings, and Seymour Duncan Pick Ups.
As a musician, he has played with Onesidezero, recording and writing on their two full length recordings, 2001’s Is This Room Getting Smaller? (Maverick Records), and 2007’s Onesidezero (Corporate Punishment). ‘Tapwater’ was featured in the 2002 film A Walk To Remember (Warner Bros. Pictures), while ‘New World Order’ was featured in the television series Smallville (CW Network), both songs that Levon co-wrote. They toured with Incubus, 311, Rob Zombie, Zebrahead, and the Static X and Soulfly tour, which eventually led to the formation of his next project, Abloom.
In Abloom, Levon had worked with former Soulfly members, drummer Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour), guitarist Mikey Doling (Snot/Invitro), and bassist Marcello Dias (Against All Will/Dead Heart Saints), as well as Onesidezero vocalist Jasan Radford. Within its brief time, the band recorded material with System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, and later opened the Southwestern dates on the Static X/SOiL tour, as well as participating on the 2005 Zippo Tour. Their song ‘What You Came For’ was featured in the B-Movie The Passing.
Levon has since expanded his horizons into other areas, including producing and sound engineering. He has previously worked with producers Ulrich Wild (Static X), Toby Wright (Sevendust, Fear Factory), Jim Wirt (Incubus, Jack’s Mannequin), and John Travis (Kid Rock) on many of his previous musical ventures. His personal credits include classical outfit Kohar, Los Angeles based rock band Red Snow and Russian metal band ANJ (he co-wrote songs and hired as their live guitarist). ANJ was nominated in three categories for the 2009 Los Angeles Music Awards - Music Video of the Year, Best Song, International Showcase Artist of the Year, and International Songwriter of the Year.
As a songwriter, he has teamed up with various musical acts to collaborate for songwriting. His understanding and adaptability between different genres of music has made his skills a valuable asset. He has co-written with people such as Poet Named Life, which featured Black Eyed Peas members Jaime Luis “Taboo Nawasha” Gomez and Allan “apl.de.ap” Pineda Lindo ; Mazik (Blood of Abraham); and Takbir ‘Tak’ Bashir (Styles of Beyond); as well as a song on Roy Mayorga’s solo album titled ‘Desert Song’ (also featuring Slipknot/Stone Sour guitarist Jim Root).
Levon has been involved with coordinating benefit concerts for various causes. He was involved in four high profile Los Angeles benefit shows - Sultan To Marz Productions – Der Zor Eve Of Justice: A Rock Concert To Benefit Pyunic Disabled Children of Armenia at the Roxy Theater, Amplifly Your Voice Against Genocide” benefit concert for Darfur at the El Rey Theater, Recognize The Armenian Genocide Festival (with Axis of Justice) at the Knitting Factory, and Silenced Cries: A Benefit Concert For Humanity (co-sponsored by the USC Armenian Student Association) at USC Bovard Auditorium (with Jacob Armen). Each of the benefit shows helped raise money for various causes he felt deeply about.
Levon is endorsed by ESP Guitars, Bogner Amplifiers, Dunlop Electronics, Dean Markley Strings, and Seymour Duncan Pick Ups.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Year of the Dragon Press Release
For Immediate Release: Former Fishbone Member Launch Year of the Dragon, Announces Releasing of Full Length Release, Upcoming U.S. Shows
Los Angeles, CA - YEAR OF THE DRAGON, featuring Dirty Walt Kibby, former co-vocalist of the veteran ska/punk/funk outfit Fishbone and newcomer Roderick ‘Rodcore’ Palmer, is currently placing the finishing touches on their upcoming full length release, Blunt Force Karma. The release will be out this spring on IBCT Records.
Blunt Force Karma is the result of the two masterminds teaming up to create rock music with soul and groove, but is also hard hitting at the same time. There are elements of Walt’s former band, as well as Rodcore’s various musical influences. The record was recorded with drummer Kerim Imes, bassist Elliot Lawrence, and guitarist Jason ‘JMR’ Richardson. ‘No Tomorrow’ brings passionate vocals along with familiar poetry in motion that fans will be familiar with. ‘Bailout’ features a groove and smooth vocals that Dirty Walt fans will be reacquainted with.
Songs from the album are currently available on the band’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/yotd and the band’s official website at http://www.yearofthedragonband.com.
The band was started by Palmer in 2003 out of the ashes of seminal 1980s heavy metal band Sound Barrier, the first band to feature all African American members. With new members and an updated sound, he and guitarist Spacey T. began writing music around their common love of punk, funk, jazz and rock music. They brought in Dirty Walt after he left Fishbone after being a member for 23 years. They recorded an EP, A Time To Love Is A Time To Bleed, in 2006.
Year of the Dragon will be playing these upcoming US shows:
February 21st – Blackbird (Los Angeles NOIR Festival) – Los Angeles, CA (with Bad Brains, Cipher, Blaxsmyth, The Objex, Punk Funk Mob, Vinyl Gypsies, Blood Sugar, Sabata)
March 6th – The Relax Bar – Los Angeles, CA (with Million Kids)
March 22nd – Headhunters – Austin, TX (South By Southwest Show)
April 20th – Nevada N Ranch Eureka County (420 Hempfest 2009) – Reno, NV
For more information, please contact Kris J. Kraus @ The IBCT at kris@theibct.com or 917-748-3036.
Los Angeles, CA - YEAR OF THE DRAGON, featuring Dirty Walt Kibby, former co-vocalist of the veteran ska/punk/funk outfit Fishbone and newcomer Roderick ‘Rodcore’ Palmer, is currently placing the finishing touches on their upcoming full length release, Blunt Force Karma. The release will be out this spring on IBCT Records.
Blunt Force Karma is the result of the two masterminds teaming up to create rock music with soul and groove, but is also hard hitting at the same time. There are elements of Walt’s former band, as well as Rodcore’s various musical influences. The record was recorded with drummer Kerim Imes, bassist Elliot Lawrence, and guitarist Jason ‘JMR’ Richardson. ‘No Tomorrow’ brings passionate vocals along with familiar poetry in motion that fans will be familiar with. ‘Bailout’ features a groove and smooth vocals that Dirty Walt fans will be reacquainted with.
Songs from the album are currently available on the band’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/yotd and the band’s official website at http://www.yearofthedragonband.com.
The band was started by Palmer in 2003 out of the ashes of seminal 1980s heavy metal band Sound Barrier, the first band to feature all African American members. With new members and an updated sound, he and guitarist Spacey T. began writing music around their common love of punk, funk, jazz and rock music. They brought in Dirty Walt after he left Fishbone after being a member for 23 years. They recorded an EP, A Time To Love Is A Time To Bleed, in 2006.
Year of the Dragon will be playing these upcoming US shows:
February 21st – Blackbird (Los Angeles NOIR Festival) – Los Angeles, CA (with Bad Brains, Cipher, Blaxsmyth, The Objex, Punk Funk Mob, Vinyl Gypsies, Blood Sugar, Sabata)
March 6th – The Relax Bar – Los Angeles, CA (with Million Kids)
March 22nd – Headhunters – Austin, TX (South By Southwest Show)
April 20th – Nevada N Ranch Eureka County (420 Hempfest 2009) – Reno, NV
For more information, please contact Kris J. Kraus @ The IBCT at kris@theibct.com or 917-748-3036.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Fernandes Guitars - 2009 SHIN Series
SHIN was born in 1965 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. In 1990, SHIN followed his dreams as an aspiring musician to study to Los Angeles. During his brief stay there, he was exposed to various forms of Airbrushing street performances, which changed his outlook on art.
Airbrushing is an art form that requires a real eye and a keen sense to create something special. Unlike painting by a normal brush, when creating an airbrushed picture, you have to have distance from the original picture. The main characteristics of airbrushed work are great color graduation and its expression.
By many artists, airbrushing is better known as painting by a machine rather than by hand. Hand painting is a lot more of a sensitive art form than airbrushing, which traditionally uses molds. Instead, SHIN created a new technique by capturing the strokes of a paint brush in traditional paintings. This freehand technique was what amazed people about SHIN’s work.
After returning to Japan, he educated himself and started producing Airbrushing work himself, using the same techniques used in other industries such as Automobiles, Bicycles, Leather Apparel, and Guitars. However, he began questioning the airbrushing technique in Japan, so he shifted his outlook towards the international market.
After some time, SHIN picked Erotic Art to be his specialty, always wanting realism and seeking evaluation of his brush techniques by other artists.
This is when he established a relationship with Mr. Sorayama, who is the master of Erotic Art, and introduced SHIN into the world of Erotic Art. Through his mentorship, SHIN’s work began to be recognized by people around the world.
In December 2001 and February 2002, SHIN had his first own exhibitions at Echo Gallary in Chicago. In April 2002 “The Art of SHIN” was published by MR Publishing. Since then, original pictures have been displayed at several galleries. SHIN’s original works were also displayed at SEMA Show in Las Vegas, three series from 2005.
In 2005 SHIN released “SHIN Real Airbrush Technique VL 123” and he has also worked as instructor of Iwata Certified Airbrush.
In 2005, SHIN began collaborating with Fernandes Guitar Co. to create his DRAGON Guitar model. Because SHIN’s heart was originally in music, he felt that Guitar Art is another one of his great strengths along with airbrushing. He has been influenced by a variety of artwork that many popular guitarists over the years have used.
He has designed and produced guitar art for other artists, which inspired him towards creating the art of the “DRAGON,” which was used for automotive companies such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. He has recently expanded his brush work into other areas such as Nail Art and Body Art, and his work is well recognized at historical temples, for expressing not only tradition, but brilliance and solidarity.
Through SHIN’s work, he strives to bring out the unexpected and an element of surprise out of people. This is what he strives for out of his work. We look forward to seeing what he creates in the future.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Fernandes Guitar 2008 Catalog - Company Bio
I revamped the Fernandes Guitars USA's company bio below. This is also available on the company website at http://www.fernandesguitars.com/.
For over four decades, Fernandes Guitars has dedicated itself to building quality guitars and guitar accessories. Throughout the company's history, they have sold a quality line of products, making them the largest guitar manufacturer in Japan.Fernandes Guitars began in 1969 in Japan, originally building Flamenco Guitars. As the company flourished over the years, the company expanded its production line to include an extensive line of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers and accessories.
During the 1970s, the company established its name through building guitars that challenged other well reputable guitar manufacturers from the United States and Europe. Artists such as Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Robert Fripp (King Crimson) and Steve Hackett (Genesis) are some of the musicians that have played the early models.
In 1992, following the company's reputation and history of success throughout Asia, Fernandes USA opened its doors in Los Angeles, California. Sticking to its reputation of building quality products, it quickly established a presence within the American guitar market by offering quality instruments at affordable prices.
In 1996, the Fernandes USA Custom Shop made bold moves by expanding its scope by advancing development within its guitar craftsmanship. Through models like the Ravelle and Nomad, which introduced the Sustainer System technology, our Research and Development Department sought out how guitar players of the future would play. Catering to everyone from the first time buyer to the seasoned pro, Fernandes offers many options to meet their needs. An invaluable understanding of the player fuels our strong committment to the consumer and the quality they demand. This is the approach that helps establish Fernandes as the leading guitar manufacturer in Japan and to become a competitive manufacturer in the American market.
The company has drawn strong acclaim for building qulaity bass guitars, as testified by probably rock's greatest bassist, Robert Trujillo. One of its most popular models is the Tremor Deluxe, which is played by Tony Campos (Static X/Asesino). Sticking to the company's trademark look, this model has the feel of models of past models, but includes many of the modern specs that would attract today's top players. Using the elements of traditional style with contemporary techniques, Fernandes continues to provide a unique voice for today's musician, pushing the limits of guitar manufacturing with innovative body shapes and hardware configurations. Guitar players demand a vintage feel with a modernized look.
Fernandes supplies the best of both worlds without any compromise. Fernandes is the key to defining your sound and taking it to the next level.
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