Posts: 4

1. 

   Freddy 'Madball' Cricien on Black N Blue Productions

   20.Feb.08, 12:40 EST
   
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   Freddy, in addition to fronting Madball (www.madballnyhc.com), you are a partner in Black N Blue Productions (www.blacknblueproductions.net).
   Yes, BNB is a production company started by Joe C and myself. It's the future of Hardcore in NYC and more. It's roots are in HC, hip hop, and underground music in general.
   
   This keeps you very involved in music while you aren't touring. Without a doubt. Madball is my main gig, but, I have a lot of other "things" going on -- BNB, FREDDYMADBALL (my hip hop project - www.myspace.com/freddymadball),also FAMILIA CLOTHING (my clothing line).
   
   Can you better explain what production companies are and what they do? Produce things...hahaha! In our case, we make shows happen, from the ground up. We get the bands, book them, provide security, food, and bring the crowds, etc. We also have nights that we host at various clubs; in that case, we would provide the entertainment as well (DJs, etc.) We are in the process of expanding into other musical realms like putting out records.
   
   How did you start this company? It all started when we decided to bring the Superbowl of HC back to NYC. Once we reclaimed that event, we needed a name. Not to mention, we simultaneously had other things brewing. It's really been years in the making, but, it took two driven guys to finally just do it! What events have you produced to date? Who played them, and were they successful? Well, we are still a fairly new company. But I'm proud to say, most of our events have been successful to date...knock on wood! We've done various shows around the city. And of course, the last two Superbowls...which were both sold out! We've had reunions from bands like VOD, skarhead, District 9, Rejeuvanate and Crown of Thornz happen especially for our events.
   
   The idea of throwing shows sounds great, but what pitfalls are there? There are a million pitfalls -- everything from bad promotion, to bad venues, to bad band choices! Basically, any form of bad planning is not a recipe for success. If I've learned anything from this business/lifestyle it's Be On Point! Whether it's a huge concert or a small club gig, you still need to be pro about it and put in maximum effort. D.I.Y doesn't mean just throw some shit together. It means do it yourself, with class and dignity. What is necessary to throw a good event? Well, I can't let you in on all my secrets..ahaha. But I will say this, you need the right team of people around you to make it work. And that's everyone from assistants, to stage managers, to lawyers. Sponsors also play a big roll in helping out.
   
   What other jobs are available in an event production company? There are a lot of jobs. There are all those that I mentioned above -- plus security, publicists, ticket collectors, and techs.
   
   What words of advice do you have for starting this type of business? Do your homework. And when you're ready, do it with confidence.
   
   What is next for Black N Blue? BIG THINGS!!
   
   Learn more at www.blacknblueproductions.net
   www.myspace.com/blacknblueproductions
   and
   www.youtube.com/blacknblueproduction.

2. 

   Jeff Abarta of Epitaph - How he got his job and how to get his attention

   04.Oct.07, 20:23 EDT
   
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   I love Epitaph, I love Hellcat. They have put out some of the memorable bands I know and love - and they are one of the few companies that can introduce me to new music, based basically off of their past performance rate. So, I jumped at the chance to talk with Jeff - who heads A&R.
   
   A mini intro:
   Jeff Abarta has been at Epitaph for over 15 years (March of 1991). He's had the honor of working closely with bands like Bad Religion, NOFX, Rancid, The Offspring, Pennywise, Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and many, many more. Find out what he's listening to now at www.myspace.com/jeffitaph

   What was your first job in the music business?
   My first job was here at Epitaph. I didn't know anything about the industry, but I knew about shipping and receiving because of my job prior to that (check out "The Epitaph Story" on Punk-O-Rama DVD vol. 1). I answered phones, read fan mail, etc…learning other things along the way, such as publicity, radio promotions, sales, artist relations, etc.

   
   What is your current job and title?
   My official job title is Head of A&R, but we aren't structured like most other labels. I do a lot of A&R tasks, but my job encompasses more than that. I'm a project manager primarily, and the head of artist relations.

   
   Briefly - What are you responsible for?
   I'm responsible for working with the artists, and helping them to make the best record that they can make, both within a given time-frame, and under budget. I am also in the loop on all of the marketing that goes on with the bands that I work directly with, so that when a band or their manager has a question, hopefully I can answer it.

   
   How many hours do you usually work a week?
   I'm not sure, because technically, going to shows is work (not bad, eh?!). In the office, I work 40 hours. I also do a lot of e-mail at home and on weekends.

   
   How many concerts do you usually go to in a week?
   It depends on how many of our bands are in town or on tour. I go to about 10 shows per month. I don't go to more than that, because I've got a young son at home. He comes first!

   
   What is the largest band you've signed to date?
   At Epitaph, only our owner signs bands. All of the Epitaph employees are invited to present Brett with the bands that we like, though.

   
   How many demos and press kits do you get in a week?
   I can't count that high. Especially if you consider e-mails that have links to MySpace pages…

   
   What is one thing NEVER to send you?
   One time, someone sent a letter that was addressed to Bad Religion. At that time ('92 or '93), this particular person firmly believed that BR had "sold out". There was a piece of paper with "FUCK OFF" written from top-to-bottom, over and over again, single-spaced. It was actually done on a typewriter, too. Inside of this sheet of paper was a piece of toilet paper that had POOP on it! Please don't send me poop.

   
   Do you read the band bios or press clips that come with a demo?
   Only if I like what I hear.

   
   What is the best thing to send you to get your attention (i.e. a demo with only 3 songs….)
   A decent photo, so I can see what you look like. Not that we judge looks before the music, but the fact is, a band has to have the "whole package".

   
   Do you look for new bands on MySpace? If so, what is the most important thing for a band to have on their MySpace page?
   They usually come to me. First, I look for good songs. I also look for pictures that I can actually stand to look at. It seems like some bands are hiding behind blurs, etc…I like to see what they look like.

   
   What is the best advice you can give to a newly unsigned band? To a newly signed band?
   To all bands: don't break up! Don't kick people out of your band, etc…stick together. Especially if you've just been signed. To bands that are just starting out: please try to be original, and don't just copy some other bands because they are popular. The best, most long-lasting bands in rock history are the ones that don't sound like other bands, but have bands that mimic them instead. Use your faults to your advantage! This can help you create something really magical.

   
   

3. 

   Mark Hunter of Chimaira takes a MySpace Survey with us

   04.Oct.07, 20:08 EDT
   
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   From Mark Hunter of Chimaira - Vocalist
   http://www.chimaira.com/

   So, what did you do all day?
   Worked out, ate, tracked some vocals
   
   What is the most expensive thing you've bought recently?
   Sidekick 3
   
   Last concert (or show) you attended:
   Strapping Young Lad
   
   Coolest thing you've gotten in the mail lately:
   Versace Sunglasses
   
   Describe your favorite article of clothing:
   Thulsa Doom T-shirt (villain from Conan The Barbarian)
   
   What is one skill that you think all people should have?
   Speak English
   
   What's for dinner?
   1 pound of ground meat, sweet potato, Optimum Nutrition Protein Shake
   
   Do you have any collections?
   DVD's McFarlane toys, Star Wars toys (original)
   
   Cats or dogs?
   Either
   
   Vanilla or Chocolate?
   Chocolate
   
   What was the last board game you played?
   Trivial Pursuit 80's edition
   
   What dead person would you want to meet?
   Abraham Lincoln
   
   What did you wear to your prom?
   Didn't go, was too busy screwing the homecoming queen
   
   Would you go to your high school reunion?
   Hell no
   
   What is your favorite cartoon?
   Captain Caveman
   
   What is your idea of a good vacation?
   Burma
   
   Last movie you saw at a theater?
   Jackass 2
   
   Last movie you watched at home?
   Match Point
   
   What's your favorite black and white movie?
   Young Frankenstein
   
   Are you reading any books right now?
   Hell no
   
   What do you do when you can't fall asleep?
   Count backwards from 100,000
   
   If you could go back to school right now, what classes would you take?
   Computer Science, Shop
   
   What question do you hate most in interviews?
   All of these
   
   Are there any musical artists that you used to like but don't anymore because their style of music changed too much?
   Metallica, although I still love em
   
   Are there any covers you think are better than the original?
   Most Metallica covers
   
   What would you cook someone on your first date?
   Rare Filet
   
   What social cause is most important to you?
   Nuclear Arms Testing, I think every country should be able to do it so we can bomb the hell out of each other and get it over with.
   
   Last new artist that you listened to and really liked?
   Gojira
   
   What is your favorite opera or play?
   The one from the movie Top Secret
   
   In which country do you wish you'd been born in?
   Japan
   

4. 

   Albert Mudrian of Decibel Mag - How he got his job and how to get his attention

   04.Oct.07, 20:05 EDT
   
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   Albert, you're the Editor in Chief of Decibel Magazine:

   First - can you tell me about Decibel? I remember your first issue, you're on fire right now!
   Currently, we're working on our 27th issue, which means it's probably about time we settle down into a serious relationship, start putting some money away for a house and decide if we wanna have any little Decibels running around within a couple of years.

   
   

   Let's talk about 'How you got that damn cool job'?

   
   

   Briefly - What are you responsible for?
   As Editor-in-Chief I oversee the content and general direction of the magazine. What that means is I commission and assign all the features, news stories, special pieces and artist profiles we run each month. And I get to decide who is on Decibel's cover every month. Our Managing Editor Andrew Bonazelli oversees all the assigning and editing on the reviews section, which greatly frees me up, enabling me to sell the advertising for the magazine as well. I don't recommend being the ad sales guy AND the editor, but when you work at a small company, these are the kinds of things you have to do to keep everything running. That said, we're finally at the point where we can bring in a full time sales person and plan on doing so in early 2007.

   
   

   How many hours do you usually work a week?
   I work 40 hours at the office and then another five to 10 a week from home. Maybe a few more if we're on a production deadline during a particular week.

   
   

   How did you get started in journalism?
   I accidentally feel into it. About 200 years ago, back in 1996, I was a regular reader of the metal reviews in a publication then called the Gallery of Sound Gazette. The writer responsible for them had a good sense of humor, but knew very little about the actual music (especially the more extreme death, black and doom metal bands) he was writing about. For whatever reason, I thought I could do a better job and fired off a couple sample reviews (of Cannibal Corpse and Dissection, if I recall correctly) to the editor/publisher. Well, he dug them and I starting writing metal reviews for the Gazette on a monthly basis. About six months later he hired me to be the publication's Associate Editor. The publication then developed into Stereo-Type. The company evolved into Red Flag Media. And RFM went on to publish Decibel several years later.

   
   

   What classes did you take that have helped you get where you are today?
   I was an English Major in college, which helped me develop my writing skills to a point. I didn't take any journalism classes in school, so there was a good deal of on-the-job training that guided my early (and bad) writings.

   
   

   How did you prepare for your first job interview?
   I haven't gone to a job interview since 1995 (which was for a manual labor job at a record store warehouse), so I might not be qualified to properly answer this.

   
   

   Are internships good training?
   It depends on how much attention the intern gets. Interns aren't usually provided a lot of direction. On their first day they're often instructed to do something like "go file this paperwork for the next four weeks." But no matter what kind of grunt work you end up doing as an intern-and, trust me, there's plenty of it-just about every internship can provide someone with valuable insight into how a music magazine is run on a daily basis.

   
   

   What has changed since the magazine has grown?
   More people get to read how fucking brilliant we are.

   
   

   What is the hardest part of your job?
   Selling ads. It's very stressful and if you're not careful you can get covered in music industry ick.

   
   If someone 'wanted to get their band noticed':

   How many demos and press kits do you get in a week?
   We receive about three or four demos from unsigned bands each week. They reside in a box clearly marked "demos" right outside my office. When we're feeling adventurous, we dip into it.

   
   

   What is one thing NEVER to send you?
   Unsolicited MP3 files via email. They're a huge strain on an Internet connection and they only tax editors' already burdened inboxes.

   
   

   What is the best thing to send you to get your attention?
   Good music. Local press clippings, finished cover art, and promo photos of your band members strategically wearing Darkthrone AND Guns N' Roses shirts are endearing, if not slightly amusing, but, at the end of the day, it's all about the tunes.

   
   

   Is it important to you if you're considering writing about a young band that they have a lot of friends on MySpace?
   Not to me. But there are bands, like Job for a Cowboy in particular, who managed to start a bidding war for their services based on their number of MySpace friends, so it apparently does matter to a lot of labels. But music magazines are more concerned with a young band's Top 8. That was a joke.

   
   

   And for the fun stuff:

   
   How many concerts do you usually go to in a week?
   I've dramatically cut back on attending shows. I'd say I only end up at three or four a month these days. I've been to enough overloaded, stinky basement shows to last a couple lifetimes, but the right band can still drag me out from the comfort of my apartment.

   
   

   What is the most memorable interview you've ever done?
   I interviewed all five members of Radiohead in New York back in 1997 right before OK Computer was released. It's not very metal, but it was still pretty cool that I had the opportunity to do it. Interviewing the late, great BBC1 DJ John Peel back in 2002 was also a pretty big thrill.

   
   

   I'm sure you get a lot of free stuff, what's the best thing you've gotten lately?
   It's over a year old now, but the A Life Once Lost promotion machete our pals at Ferret Music sent us is my favorite freebie. It's very handy to have around the office when you're enforcing deadlines.

   
   

   If you had to give your best words of advice in 2 sentences or less, what would they be?
   Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins! Be true to yourself, true to your country, be a real American!

   
   

   What's in your CD player right now?
   At the start of this interview it was Prong's Beg to Differ. Now it's Ulver's Bergtatt

   
   

   You recently wrote a book. Tell us about it.
   It's called Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal & Grindcore. I guess the title pretty much speaks for itself. If, like me, you grew up a fan in the late '80s and early '90s of bands such as Carcass, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Obituary and Napalm Death, then this book will be a walk down memory lane's left hand path for you. It was published by Feral House and you can find it any place that sells books about death metal. And if your looking to learn a second, third or fourth language, it was translated into French, German and Finnish earlier this year.