Tuesday, July 18, 2017

L.A. Guns, Budderside and Sinful Lilly: Interview and Concert Review at The Forum Part 2:

By: Lucy Hall

Budderside Photography by Thomas R. Biggs

     Early 2000 emo alt meets the crudeness of Motley Crue, when L.A.’s Budderside delivered a high octane performance of pure authentic rock and roll at Hazard’s The Forum on July 30th. Never a subtle band, Budderside mixed up hard rock, alternative, and modern rock, with everything from Mother Love Bone to a pinch of Weatus. A steady ration between hard style music and alternative without going overboard on either side. Their style does not appear to cater to any one specific trend.
     Budderside consists of band members, lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone, bassist, Michael Stone, guitarist, Colin Reid, and drummer Rich Sacco. My initial observation of Budderside was that they are party rockers who possess a poet’s passion. They seem to have some well-aimed songs that challenge intellect, yet they also have some fun party vibe songs. This was demonstrated by the songs they performed from their album which included the hard and melodic “Open Relationship,” alt rock “Ska Bra,” and the dance party favorite “Pain.”
     Budderside made Hazard concert attendees feel special by embracing not only Appalachian culture but also the name Hazard in itself. They paid tribute to Hazard performing a cover of the Johnny Cash song, “Folsom Prison Blues” by switching up the lyrics and changing Reno to Hazard. Patrick asked the audience if Daisy Duke was amongst them. In addition one of Budderside’s flyers features a Daisy Duke look alike and the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazard series. The audience response to their salute to our southern culture was ecstatic. BTW, another thing that caught my attention was Patrick having the audience chant, “Mother-F&$%er” which just happens to be one of my favorite words to use. 


     Budderside has some heavy credentials. Front man, Patrick Stone has performed in the group Adler’s Appetite. They have a lengthy involvement with the legendary Motorhead which includes manager, Todd Singerman of Singerman Entertainment (Motörhead’s management), producer Paul Inder Kilmister (son of Motörhead’s cultural icon, Lemmy), Phil Campbell as a guest on a track and their first studio album, released via Motörhead Music/UDR.
     Budderside's self-titled debut album features cyberpunk pin-up art on the cover, which I found interesting due to being a science fiction fanatic. The initial video launched of their first single, “Pain” features an assembly of ass-kicking hot chicks in the boxing ring. I haven’t seen this type of female glam-filled fun video since Motley Crue’s “Girls, Girls, Girls”.         


I had the honor of interviewing Budderside's  lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone who is clearly passionate about his music and uses lots of heartfelt emotion in both song writing, and engaging his fans.       

HEAVY MAKEUP: Early on in your career in music, did you always do vocals or were pushed into the role, due to not being able to find an appropriate singer?

Patrick Stone: Singing has always been my weapon of choice. I knew by the time I was five years old that I wanted to be the frontman of my own band. Like Prince, Michael Jackson or Bon Scott. My sister, Devon, gave me my first guitar when I was eight and I began to learn how to play and write. I really enjoy fronting, free of the guitar, but BUDDERSIDE sounds best when I'm holding down the rhythms. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: Do you warm up your voice pre-show or any pre-show rituals?

Patrick Stone: Extensive Pre, and Post, warm-ups and warm-downs. Discipline is the key. I learned from the universes best vocal instructor, Ron Anderson. Having taught Pavarotti, Elvis, Axl and Cornell (to name a few), I second guess him not! The rules are crystal clear and the results are undeniable. Some days are harder to warm up than others, but I've learned to gauge how long my routine will be before I'll be ready. As soon as I wake up I know. Sometimes it takes over an hour of exercises before I'm no longer horse and able to climb into the full warm up. It's a lot of work, but the show is the payoff.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you get into guitar and why?

Patrick Stone: Probably when I first saw the cover, then listened to Highway To Hell. That "crunch"! Thumbing through my sister’s record collection while listening shaped me. I remember it like yesterday. The feelings and visions guitar players fed the heart and mind with notes and chords was intoxicating. Then there was the acoustic. John Denver, Peter Paul and Mary. She had a Kansas record, too. Once I heard "Dust In The Wind".... I just had to.

HEAVY MAKEUP: how many different guitars are you currently using on stage?

Patrick Stone: Two, myself. Both are ESP EC-1000T/CTM's. I have very personal names for each. One in black, for standard tuning and one white, for drop D. ESP has been supporting my arsenal for years and I am so grateful to rep such an incredible company. Colin plays a Gibson Les Paul and Stoneman endorses Marvin. 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's your advice to a young player?


Patrick Stone: Anything is possible. Don't hesitate. If you want this life, go after it. Keep your mind clear and focus on one goal at a time. First and foremost, be great. If you're better than the next guy, the job will be yours. At the same time, play with others that are better than you are. Don't settle for amateurs. An amateur that plays with pros will soon be a pro. Love the music you are playing. If you don't believe it, no one else will. Take lessons. Have great gear. Don't bitch. Be a team player. Kill your ego. Play in front of people all the time, as often as you can. Feedback, good and bad, is the key to the better you. Have fun!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Is there a facet to the music business that you prefer? Recording, touring, or writing?

Patrick Stone: No, not really. That's a very good question, though. I love every step of the process. Cool thing is, when one phase comes to an end, the next one begins. Every album is like a child that grows up. So much to learn and experience with each one. Each one is unique. I could really go on about this forever. So much to love. We love music so much.

HEAVY MAKEUP: While in the writing progress, where do you channel your lyrical inspiration? Do you write from your own experiences, or do the songs have certain story lines or themes?

Patrick Stone: Definitely a strong, deep spiritual and emotional connection to every song. Experience drives the feeling and story. I believe they all have themes, storylines and ties to personal experiences. The feeling of the music can dictate it's lyrical content and where to grab that inspiration from, or lyrical content and what I want to say can plant a seed deep that grows into sounds describing the lyrics around it. It really all comes in from different directions. The wave just rushes over me all of a sudden and I start to write. Words, melodies and chords are like colors. You let your heart guide you, one color at a time, add shading and detail, until the image is vibrant and clear.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What bands are you currently listening to either old or new? Who has inspired you the most?

Patrick Stone: Pink Floyd, Dead Sara, Foo Fighters, Muse, Guns N Roses, Ektomorf, Johnny Cash, Motörhead, Metallica, Lana Del Rey, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons, STP, everything- Chris Cornell, Taylor Swift, NIN, John Denver, Barb Wire Dolls, LA Guns.... Ha Ha! I'm all over the place, man. I love all genres. If the music has heart, I love it. Colin loves a wide variety, too. Guitar gods mainly. Stone is into Rage Against The Machine and shredder groups like Racer X, Rich is all about the musicianship of a bands drummer. If it's too easy, he doesn't like it. 

Lemmy inspired me the most because of who he was. His integrity. He led by example. His lessons guide me everyday. His encouragement is the fuel to our merciless fire.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's your favorite song to perform live?

Patrick Stone: Songs are also like children. You can't love one more than the other. Recently, I enjoy performing "WIDE AWAKE", a song we'll record for our next album. I just can't wait until it starts. The crowd can't deny it. My feet don't touch the ground and the music flies out effortlessly. Fans just nod and smile, make that "fuck yeah" face or move and shake, acknowledging their possessed by this monster. "Clear Blue Sky", as well. It's just so pure and you can feel the message resonating with your audience. That chorus kicks in... and we're 10,000 feet above sea level.

HEAVY MAKEUP: You have had the opportunity to work with the legendary Motorhead, can you tell me anything about that? What stands out?

Patrick Stone: Controlled chaos! What stands out? Their love. The most admirable group of human beings you could ever want to know. Deserving in every way of recognition and respect. More talent than most of the musical community combined, ego-less to the core. So much fun, absolutely no rules. Above all "The Beast"! Phil's tone, Lemmy's words, Mikkey's punishing groove, together louder than all hell is what stands out! Anything they touch turns to gold. Their support, Phil is on this album and the next. Even from the grave, Lemmy is pushing us into your lives. This also, I could go on about for hours... 

HEAVY MAKEUP: What are some tour or show highlights that stand out so far?

Patrick Stone: St. Petersburg, FL. A huge audience like "Budder" in our hands. They gave us that "roar" and the chance to let it all out, it was just electrifying, for everyone there. It all started at the very beginning of the tour, but by Saint Petersburg, any kinks were kicked to the curb. We just keep getting better. 

"Poopy's" in Savanna, Il. The Guns watched from backstage and their smiles and applause just kicked on the nitrous! It's one thing to get the opportunity to open for your heroes, but for them to love you, encourage you and except you is entirely something else. Priceless!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had mishaps or Spinal Tap type experiences, other than when I poured out an entire bottle of Budweiser on your merchandise table?


Patrick Stone: Ha Ha! Countless! Are you kidding? Lol. The reason those movies were so popular with musicians is because they reflect the truth of how it really is. If you don't have a good sense of humor, you'll never survive in this business. I've blown up in ear systems minutes before curtain, we've discovered passports left at home in route, late to the airport, all but fist fights backstage, constant arguing over what to wear, how to cut your hair... ALL OF THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! Lol. It really is constant comedy. That's what makes it so fun. Our love for each other just grows and grows, regardless.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What's next for Budderside, I noticed on your official site some artwork for a comic series?


Patrick Stone: Yes, amongst many other things I am working hard to get the comic book off the ground. We're really excited about it. There's just so much we can do with the character. So much! Video games, movies, videos, live action, toys!!! We still have another month on the road with LA Guns in the United States. Lots of new Budderside merchandise coming out. You name it. I think we still have one or two more videos to highlight singles from the current album. Our manager is excited to put us in with a hot shot producer. We've been writing a lot, so there will definitely be some recording sessions coming up. You know, WORLD DOMINATION and all that.....stuff!

Thanks for the interview!

Cheers!

See you on the road!

Are you ready for a heart pounding, hard rocking, and adrenaline filled ride? It’s exactly where Budderside is going to take you. Be ready, they are coming to your town next.

HEAVY MAKEUP: By the way Patrick, did you find Daisy Duke in the Hazard audience?


Upcoming Tour Dates with L.A. Guns:
  • Sun 07/23/2017 @ Black Sheep Colorado Springs, CO
  • Thu 07/27/2017 @ Webster Theater Hartford, CT
  • Thu 07/27/2017Fri 07/28/2017 @ The Palladium Worcester, MA
  • Sat 07/29/2017 @ Crossroads Garwood, NJ
  • Sun 07/30/2017 @ Reverb Reading, PA
  • Tue 08/01/2017 @ Buffalo Iron Works Buffalo, NY
  • Wed 08/02/2017 @ The Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
  • Wed 08/02/2017 @ The Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
  • Sat 08/05/2017 @ Jergels Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA
  • Sun 08/06/2017 @ The Music Factory Battle Creek, MI
Budderside at The Forum Photography by Thomas R. Biggs:

Lead singer/guitarist, Patrick Stone 

Guitarist, Colin Reid
Drummer, Rich Sacco


Bassist, Michael Stone

Lucy








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