L.A. Guns, Budderside and Sinful Lilly: Interview and Concert Review at The Forum Part 3:

By: Lucy Hall
 

L.A. Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs

      There are quite a few things that have remained constant throughout the musical career of L.A. Guns; live raw power infused with passionate, high, gritty yet melodic vocals, catchy choruses, an awe-inspiring gnarly guitar crunch, a thunderous rhythm section and lots of bad ass attitude.                       

      Tracii Guns formed L.A. Guns in 1983. The albums, L.A. Guns (1988) and Cocked & Loaded (1989) is what initially turned me onto the group. The very catchy power ballad, “The Ballad of Jayne”, stirred up major MTV and radio interest. In addition, harder rocking, yet radio friendly hits from these two albums honed their honest rock approach into something radio could program. It was the high energy hard rock hits that made me a long-time fan. Who can forget the gigantic crunch and heavy guitar tone in such time honored gems as “Electric Gypsy” and “Sex Action”.

      For over a decade, L.A. Guns fans have eagerly longed for a reunion of original members, Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns. This year that hope of a reunion was validated when Guns announced a tour and new album with both Phil and Tracii together. L.A. Guns performed at The Forum in Hazard Kentucky on June 30th with opening acts Budderside and Sinful Lilly. Considering I had seen the band a few years prior at Summit City in Whitesburg, Kentucky where their performance was top notch, this show had a lot to live up to in my opinion and indeed, it captured and expanded upon my expectations. The current line-up in addition to Phil and Tracii includes Michael Grant on guitar, Johnny Martin on Bass and Shane Fitzgibbon on the drums. Although, the band has had numerous lineup changes, their sound continues to still be crisp. The twin guitars rocked, the vocals and drums were perfect. The tunes ranged from lyrically and musically tender ballads to fast paced toe tapping, speedy, in your face, straight ahead rock and roll.  I was very pleased that the group performed some of my personal favorites which included, “Never Enough”, “Bitch Is Back”, and “Electric Gypsy”.


Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs 

     Some highlights that stood out at the Hazard performance consist of Johnny Martin’s Ramone inspired stance and his overall presence during the show. Tracii’s fast fingers were in fine form as always and he even broke out the violin bow, Jimmy Page style. Which brought back memories of when I was sixteen and attempted to use a violin bow on a flat fretboard. Later I learned that without certain conditions including the key element of a lifted bridge I would not be bowing like Page. Unlike me, Tracii produced some cool harmonies and epic sounds with his Les Paul and bow.


Tracii Guns Photo by Thomas R. Biggs

     The decadent years of 1984 to 1994 may have been one of the most adventurous years in hard rock/metal with some very interesting bands entering the arenas and clubs. However, the fun energy and excitement of that decade in rock continues down the same path well into 2017. Props to L.A. Guns for keeping it going for thirty years, and living up to their promise to fans that they will continue to inspire, and entertain us all.    

L.A. Guns' last album was in 2012. They have a new album, The Missing Peace, for 2017. Heavy Makeup will be revisiting L.A. Guns' Frontman, Phil Lewis for a review and interview for their upcoming album.


Johnny Martin & Shane Fitzgibbon Photo by Taylor Burgess

Michael Grant Photo by Taylor Burgess

Phil Lewis Photo by Taylor Burgess

Phil Lewis & Tracii Guns Photo by Taylor Burgess
 

Lucy 

 

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

·Colorado Springs, CO

·tix

·Hartford, CT

·tix

·Fri 07/28/2017

·Worcester, MA

·tix

L.A. Guns, Budderside and Sinful Lilly: Interview and Concert Review at The Forum Part 1:

By: Lucy Hall

Sinful Lilly Photos by Taylor Burgess and Thomas R. Riggs

Fredi Handshoe, the frontman/singer/songwriter/guitar slinger is the leader of a band that features an enigmatic and definitely energetic rhythm section comprised of bassist/singer/songwriter, Nikki Valklix and drummer, Trey Bledsoe.

Nikki surprised the crowd when he ran amongst the audience pounding his bass during their performance at The Forum in Hazard Kentucky on July 30^th, when they played alongside L.A. Guns and Budderside. Nikki’s aggressive playing while engaging the audience was gutsy and I haven’t seen this type of band/crowd interaction since the Kiss Psycho Circus Tour, when Paul Stanley flew into the audience on a zipline. Except, he flew throughout the audience and was scared to let his feet touch the floor.

I got the opportunity to meet the shirtless drum basher, Trey at the venue whom I had not gotten to meet at the last Sinful Lilly show. This guy has revived the all but lost art of over the top drum bashing similar in creed to Keith Moon, consisting of drumming that will crack your eardrums.

Together they have created a steamy modern musical mix that includes not only an 80’s musical undertone that could be upbeat pop metal, but also a darker side of White Zombie style chords, rhythms, and choruses that is heavy and pissed off, yet much more in between.

When I first saw the band perform alongside Bullet Boys back in April at the Appalshop, I bet then that the band member’s music collection at home would be as much punk, and industrial, as it is metal. During their recent performance I noticed the band had an even harder sound than I recognized previously. I could have sworn I heard splices of 90’s industrial metal this time round integrated into some songs; such as maybe a little Prong, White Zombie or Green Jelly.   

I recently had the opportunity to interview Fredi, Nikki and Trey. I learned they do have diverse influences, an impressive background in music, and that they have much love and respect for their fans.

HEAVY MAKEUP: How long have you been playing music? 

Fredi: Since I was born…

Nikki: I've been interested in playing music for as long as I can remember, but being serious about playing music, five to six years

Trey: I was a late starter, very much into sports and thought baseball would be what I would do but that didn't work out.  I beat on pots and pans as a kid (typical) but around 15 I started playing every day.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When did you get into playing your instrument and why?

Fredi: I got into playing guitar when I was a freshman in High School. To meet girls of course…..haha. I’m a huge Beatles fan and that made me wanna play music but Ace Frehley of KISS made me wanna play guitar. Nothing really took off until I moved to Atlanta and started playing originals with Sex Cab....opening for National Acts. 

Nikki: I always had a heavy interest in playing at a young age but finally applied myself once I grew tired of playing Guitar Hero and picked up a real instrument.

Trey: I got into drums loving all sorts of things I'd heard.  I was heavily involved in the Catholic Church at the time so I thought if I listened to Stryper and Slayer, it would cancel itself out.  But melodic rock got my attention at first but then sleaze rock showed up and I was gone. Salty Dog, Bang Tango, Dangerous Toys (melodic in their own right) and a number of others.  Then I was influenced heavily by the late 90's nu metal. Involved in the local scene w/ a band called Twist and I really did love that band.  But I got to know the guys from Chum, Supafuzz and so many others it's crazy.  Chris from FFDP was part of that scene and I filled in with his band once or twice at least.

HEAVY MAKEUP: What was the first instrument you owned?

Fredi: A Sears Cherry Sunburst Acoustic…..when I was 8 yrs old I got it for Christmas. Although my first electric was a Tesco Delray that had the amp built into the case. I purchased that guitar/amp combo for $50 at a local brothel when I was thirteen….didn’t really know what I was walking into until I got there…..haha. If I was a little older, I might have gotten even a better deal on that guitar ….but it all worked out for the best….haha. I don’t have the guitar anymore, traded it off years ago but I do still have the amp and use it in the studio sometimes.

Nikki: Les Paul Jr.

Trey: A cheap white Tama kit which I sold when I upgraded and that kit made the rounds w/ half the drummers from my hometown.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Fredi/Nikki many different guitars are you currently using on stage? 

Fredi: 4 but it depends on how long our set is and how many different tunings I use….

1995 Black Gibson Les Paul Standard, 1993 Purple Gibson Les Paul Classic (looks red), 1984 Tobacco Sunburst Gibson Les Paul Custom and a 2011 TV Yellow Gibson Les Paul Jr.

Nikki: Two, Red B.C. Rich Mockingbird and a Black Gibson Thunderbird

HEAVY MAKEUP: Trey many different snares are you currently using on stage? 

Trey: If I get the opportunity, I use the DW custom first and the black beauty second.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Fredi/Nikki who are your favorite guitarists?

Fredi: Ace Frehley, Zakk Wylde, Randy Rhodes, Tony Iommi …..to name a few.

Nikki: Paul Stanley of Kiss and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein of the Misfits. I thought Paul Stanley always had rad moves as a showman/frontman on stage and it's more entertaining to watch the band members get into what they're doing onstage rather than watch them stand around facing down the entire set. As for Doyle, I dig his playing in the early Misfits days talking about giving his guitar a chainsaw-esque tone and giving his guitar a knuckle sandwich, always thought that was rad as hell.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Trey who are your favorite drummers?

Trey: Brian Tichy, Eric Singer (been a fan and follower for years), Tommy Cluefetos, Bill Ward, Randy Castillo, Tommy Lee (showmanship), Vik Foxx, Seven Antanopolous, this list could go for a long damn time.

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

Fredi: Listen to everything but play what you enjoy and practice, practice, practice.

Nikki: Your fingers may hurt now, but they'll toughen up!

Trey: Determine what your comfort zone is and step outside of it.  Learn every style under the sun. Also, listen to every song playing in the background. You never know when you may rip apart from it.

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? 

Fredi: One of the bands that I joined during my college years….singing was a requirement. That was the kick in the ass that got me started…..haha.

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

Fredi: No, I enjoy the creative side during the writing process, the producing and engineering during the recording and the interaction with the fans on and off stage during the touring. Well maybe…..the performance is where everything comes together….there is nothing like seeing someone in the audience singing your song…

Nikki: I enjoy it all….

Trey: Touring and more touring…. I’m a live drummer.

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

Fredi: Every song is different, it really depends on what I want to convey. Sometimes I read a headline to a news article or pick up an ideal while watching a movie…..my inspiration comes from everywhere. I do pull from my own experiences but I usually intertwine that with a story line or a vibe that I want to create.

Nikki: I watch a lot of horror movies and read books of wild or introspective ideologies, so majority of what I write stems from those. But nothing beats writing about a gut feelin'.

Fredi: I agree...

Trey: I play either what's best for the song or if Fredi's in agreement, I go f'n nuts and enjoy myself!!!

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

Fredi: Devil Music and The Record Machine, speaking of writing and inspiration……the music was written first. I wanted to write something with a groove and the lyrics kind of came out of a saying that some of my family use to say when I was younger. I remember once I was listening to Love Gun by KISS and one of my Grandparents told me to turn off that Devil Music……well I guess it stuck with me….so when we were recording and I had to title our work for the day…..my comment was “just some good ole’ Devil Music” and the lyrics grew from that….haha

Nikki: The same, Devil Music and the Record Machine, it's just a fun groove to dance to and play at the same time.

Trey: Either Devil Music or Jack...actually it's Jack.  I'm not held to a click on that one so I can go crazier.  Plus I think we do a damn fine job on that with the ending & the live vibe of the whole thing.

HEAVY MAKEUP: When you go out on stage, what goes through your head? If anything, what crosses your mind? 

Trey: It - is - Mother - F*ckin' - On.  I live for this.  That's what I think.

Fredi: Oh Yeah….that’s it!!

Nikki: Yeah!!

HEAVY MAKEUP: Since you have had a long history of performing music, do you still get the same rush as in the beginning while performing?

Fredi: I do get a rush but different from in the beginning. I get a rush now because I can’t wait to get on stage….I love performing….it is where I feel most comfortable.

Trey: Absolutely, I enjoy delivering the goods (sorry Judas Priest).  I love performing and I love just being up there.  It's my drug.

Nikki: Yeah…

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

Fredi: I do have some vocal exercises that I warm up with, I took lessons from Ken Tamplin…… an incredible vocal instructor.

Nikki: Majority of my preshow ritual consists of stretching, gotta stay loose or I know I'll be stiff for days. 

Trey: Sort of but I really just do basic rudiments and go up and jam.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Have you ever had any mishaps or Spinal Tap type experiences? 

Fredi: I was performing at Ace Frehley’s birthday party in 2002 in New Jersey and some crazy shit went down between him and Gene Simmons. A few mins later Ace was standing on stage with me and the band telling everyone that he was going to leave KISS for the 2^nd time. That was really surreal.  Also in Omaha at a show one time, the stage manager couldn’t find the way to the stage….every door that lead to the stage was locked for some reason….so after about 15 mins of trying to access the stage…they gave up and walked us through the crowd….pretty cool entrance after all….at least we didn’t get lost under the stage…..like Spinal Tap…haha

Trey: With Sinful Lilly, no.  With other acts…..well I've made Spinal Tap look like the Disney movie of the week.  Ever had the cartel in your cheap hotel room armed waiting on payment from your singer?  Spinal Tap didn't cover that.

Nikki: Haha….

HEAVY MAKEUP: What’s next for Sinful Lilly, any tour plans, or upcoming projects? 

Fredi: Working on our first full album release and our first video which will be for “Devil Music and the Record Machine”. As far as tour plans…..yes, once the album is completed.

Trey: I'm pushing Fredi to finish the damn album and get a tour!!!

Fredi: Haha….Yeah, I need to get my ass in gear and my producer hat on… Well, I am flying out to Colorado to meet with Richard Easterling to mix 3 more songs the night after our show with Last in Line. Richard has worked on albums for DollSkin, Train, Tantric, Muse, Fuel, AmericanHeadCharge, Mark Slaughter and Dangerous Toys to name a few….. He also works a lot with Dave (Megadeth) Ellefson’s label EMP.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Music television and radio as an outlet for hard rock/metal became almost non-existence in the wake of alternative and pop music. For musicians it had to come down to having to rely directly on live performance, touring, and maintaining a core fan base. Which is and always has been the basic grassroots of rock. Bands have had to solely depend on having a core following. For you and your band it is evident that you “get it”. You use every facet available to promote your band. You get out there and talk to fans, and you network a lot. I believe that your efforts are effective and very much appreciated by fans. What do you think about changes in the music and lack of support for metal? 

Fredi: I feel that we have to work for every fan that we have. I want every person that comes to one of our shows to feel special, because they are…..they spent their hard earned money to see us and whoever else was on the bill. I want them to remember us on stage and off. I’m a talker so I enjoy talking to our fans and finding out who they are and where they’re from. That’s how we form a special connection with them…….they are the greatest!!! That’s no BS. As far as the lack of support…..this is a business….you either evolve and roll with the here and now or die like a dinosaur. Don’t wait for opportunities to arise…..make your own opportunities happen…

Trey: You do ask people to network on your behalf but the way to do it today is tour, tour and tour some more, sell merch, tour some more, rinse / wash / repeat.

HEAVY MAKEUP: Are you influenced at all by what’s going on in music today? What bands are you currently listening to both old and new?

Fredi: Yes, you have to if you want to stay relevant. Though I’ve always got some Alice Cooper or KISS on my playlist for the old….. you’ll see Manson on there as well as Motorhead. As far as the new stuff on my playlists…..you’ll find Beasto Blanco, Motionless in White, Rob Zombie latest album.

Trey: Artists nobody has heard but sufficient to say, I listen to anything I can get my hands on from rock to pop to metal to Djent to Dubstep.  I listen and used defensive listening in case I need to use it on a song.  

Nikki: All the time, of course it depends on how I'm feeling, and the new bands I listen to may not sound anything like what we do, but I like to try and experiment with different elements that stem from what I'm listening to. I've been currently jamming to Manson's Antichrist Superstar and Iggy Pop's Raw Power in full, as for new stuff...I've been hooked on Doyle's new album as well as Wednesday 13's new release.

Sinful Lilly is classic while staying relevant. They understand what it takes to be successful, and because they love music they realize that quality is much better than quantity. They strive to demonstrate that with all their dedication and hard work to stay true to their music and fans. Like Fredi says, they work for every fan. These are prime examples of what this band is all about. They have a quality production and the image you’d expect from any commercial rock band.

Upcoming projects include a new album and rock videos, so we’ll be checking back with Sinful Lilly, a talented band whose big sound is a winning one.

Sinful Lilly at the Forum Photos by Taylor Burgess 

Singer/Guitarist, Fredi Handshoe

Bassist, Nikki Valklix

Drummer, Trey Bledsoe


Sinful Lilly at the Forum Photos by Thomas R. Riggs

Drummer, Trey Bledsoe

Bassist, Nikki Valklix  

Singer/Guitarist, Fredi Handshoe



Nikki and Fredi

Lucy