Mr Riot's Blog
"Does it still sound good if you turn it down?" - Mr Riot.
19/04/08
Writing a blog is a bit like typing a page of random thoughts and pasting it in a telephone booth, in the hope that someone might read it.Be that as it may, our log files tell us that you do read this, (especially Mr Google!) so here is the news.
Caz has been operating follow spot in a production at the local theatre, so she hasn't had time to do a great deal of gig reporting, but I like the new look for the site.We have been investing in some kit, Caz will expand on that in the main site, but in essence we are in the process of taking RiotZine to the next level.
We have a shiny new Yamaha PA and some nice Sennheiser mics, and our long-term friends Ugmosis will be using it at a gig in Farnborough on the 25th. Woody & co have arranged a talent scout to be there, so everyone will be on their best behaviour. PA kit is pricy, and we're starting small - most of the local bands play in small venues so they don't need 50,000 watts. Caz will be offering kit hire and her services as sound engineer at very competitive rates ( I think we should call the deal Kit 'n Caz) but she keeps screaming when I suggest it...:-)
The point of the exercise is to help promote unsigned bands, and we're hoping to stage another gig of our own in the near future, so watch this space.
Whats new on the pro music front? Well a few weeks back, I picked up a free sampler cd from Spine Farm Records at our favourite music store, Rock Box (www.rockbox.co.uk). There were a few familar bands on there - NightWish, (and Tarja seems to be trying to go solo). One track took my fancy, an outfit from Iceland called Sonata Arctica - http://www.sonataarctica.info/site07/ I ordered their album "The Collection". Sadly it took a while, and when it arrived, the CD case was broken, but RockBox will replace it FOC. I'm listening to it as I type, an eclectic mix of hard rock, DragonForce - style double kick drum, fine vocals, and great lead guitar.Check out "Paid in full" http://www.sonataarctica.info/site07/gallery.php?id=15&s=20&l=uk The album is two discs, a regular CD with 17 tracks! - and a DVD with three videos and 13 DVD 5.1 audio tracks! I have to say, bands from continental Europe & points North believe in giving you a lot for your money: compare that with Amy Whinehouse's effort.
The album cover says it is the UK tour edition, sadly I didnt know who they were at the time, but if they return, I'll be there. Or maybe we should take a vacation in Iceland - Icelandic rock "Rocks"!
Our next big event ( as audience ) will be a trip to Brum in September - the whole crew are going to see Nickelback - W00T! This time the Riotmobile will be full, and I suspect we'll be deaf by the time we arrive at the NEC - heh heh.
Finally, we're helping stage a segment at the Surrey Heath show http://www.surreyheathshow.org/ on May 3rd, so if you're there come over to the marquee and say hello, we have freebies for the most travelled / gigged vistors!Keep it Live