DDTTRH SURPRISE Mini Contest

SURPRISE MINI CONTEST!!!! To give appreciation to the band Calabrese for supporting DDTTRH, plus to encourage all to get out and vote on November 2nd, and for a little fun this Halloween, please share with us one of the following to enter for the chance to win a Calabrese merchandise prize (I have several stickers, one of their albums, and a copy of their new comic book to give away):
1) A Picture if yourself as a 'Rabid Duranie' (also in honor of the comment made in a recent Sun News article) PLUS a message you'd like to send to Calabrese and DDTTRH

2) A picture of one of your adorable Duranie children, any costume, PLUS a message you'd like to send to Calabrese and DDTTRH

3) A picture of yourself or someone else thats really scary or has an amazing costume PLUS a message you'd like to send to Calabrese and DDTTRH.

Send this in by end of day Tuesday November 2nd (election day). Entries will be voted on by a DDTTRH committee for selection based on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 4th, etc. place voting system. Send all entries to Kirk through the ddttrh.info site, under the 'Contact' link. Please send original pictures, not ones copied from the internet, otherwise they may be disqualified. Winning entries will be shared in a blog after the contest!!!

Good luck and have an amazing Halloween and Voting Day!

Kirk, DDTTRH

Interview with Johnny Daggers

Rob Delamorte of Horror Talk at www.horrornews.net spoke of Johnny Daggers back in August and he said, quite perfectly that, “Johnny Daggers is a Pittsburgh native, a heavily tattooed true blue punk who has the mind of terror mastermind, George Romero. Johnny and his company have a style all their own, a mixture of guerilla filmmaking and a true classic punk rock feel reminiscent of 80′s classics like Night Of The Demons and Return Of The Living Dead, mixed with the grainy, off beat, grainy video styling’s of infamous writer for Fangoria slash controversy maker, Joe Christ.

Caustic Zombies, written and directed by the Romero protege’, is Dagger’s first full-length outing. Caustic has a very simple but extremely awesome plotline, a hungry horde of zombies caused by the Three Mile Island Nuclear Spill, and the members of a small town who have to survive them.

Johnny has a short film, Samhain: Night Feast, starring himself and his super-cool actress friend and musician, Adrienne Disaster, which can be seen on his personal site.

Along with his hungry pack of undead wolves, the aptly penned Pittsburgh Horror Mafia including the lovely and super funny female duo of Carey Weimer and Aleesha Asper, right hand man, Mario Dominick, City Of The Dead’s Barry Stephens, also a group who is recruited into the army for just the sheer love of film making not unlike the crew of John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween crew, Daggers hopefully plans to let his apocalyptic vision loose in early 2011.Check out Caustic info on JOHNNYDAGGERS.COM and his Facebook page!”

Johnny Daggers is a horror model, actor, and director. The wonderful and sexy inked zombie genius took time out of his grueling schedule to chat with (Pittsburgh native myself and lover of all things zombiefied ha-ha) me and tell me about his debut movie Caustic Zombies!

Ladyaslan presents the infamous Johnny Daggers!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Johnny Daggers: Without a doubt. Be it their distant sound, look or artwork by Patrick Nagel, Duran Duran left an impression that you could not help but remember.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans what it was like to meet The Man…The Myth…The Legend…George Romero!

Johnny Daggers: Meeting the legend, Mr. Romero was a dream come true for me. I always have a thousand things I planned to say if I ever met the man. Once I had the chance, I froze. George is very down to earth and not affected by fame. He listened to me when I told him about Caustic Zombies. And at the end of our meeting, he told me that if I ever need to reach him to call his son, and he would make sure that we got together.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Johnny Daggers: I would have to say, Save a Prayer.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the Samhain: Night Feast? And where can we get a copy of that short film?

Johnny Daggers: Samhain: Night Feast is my first short film. It was shot in one evening at my house and the woods at my house. Samhain: Night Feast was voted the crowd favorite film at the 2010 Bastards Of Horror Short Film Fest at Pittsburgh’s Horror Realm.

We made the movie just to get our feet wet with no previous experience. I really never expected it to receive the attention that it has. The film is 2o minutes. And sot to look like it was recorded in 8mm. There are some things that I wish I could have done differently, but due to circumstances like half my zombie crew needing to leave at 2am and the cops showing up, all is good.

It’s a very “Hitchcockian “ type thriller. Not much blood or gore. Although I love blood and gore, you do not always need to show that in a film to solidify your point. I wrote the story thinking about ghosts and residual haunting and wanted to apply that to zombies. What if you have these “zombies” these two children who have died on Halloween or Samhain as my ancestors call it, and do not realize that they have died. On every Halloween they rise up, and go about all that they remember doing the night that they died.

The zombie fight scene was real. I did not want the scene to look contrived so I went all out. In doing so, I sprained my wrist, bruised 3 ribs, chipped my front tooth and got a black eye.

Samhain: Night Feast can be bought directly at my website www.johnnydaggers.com

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion and their philanthropist efforts in the past 30 yrs?

Johnny Daggers: That is a tough question. I am not always the best speaking for others. I feel that any band that can endure 30 years of music says enough in itself. I have been in bands that haven’t been able to make it past 3 years, let alone 30.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you use in a movie? What scene? What sequence?

Johnny Daggers: This would say that the film had enough of a budget to pay for the royalties to use a Duran Duran song. Keep in mind, I am an underground “Horror writer/director”. I would say the song that I would most likely use is, “so long suicide”. Not really sure where I would use it. It would most likely be a non-traditional suicide scene. Perhaps I would play it when someone is walking in to a horde of ravenous zombies to save their loved one, knowing that they were going to die in the process. Romantic?

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe your style of movie making? Who has inspired you over the years? What was the first horror film you ever saw?

Johnny Daggers: My style of filmmaking is very “guerilla”, “punk-rock” and DIY. I don’t get permits to film on shooting locations. This is one reason why cops usually show up. I hope that others find it unique, love it or hate it. Night Of The Living Dead was the first “Horror” movie that I had ever seen. I don’t really let people influence me. I let them inspire me. People like George Romero, Alfred Hitchcock, Clive Barker, Toby Hooper, Lucio Fulci and David Cronenberg have certainly inspired me.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your memories of the ORIGINAL Dawn of the Dead being shot in “our” backyard ( oh yes Ladyaslan and Johnny were witness to a CLASSIC in the making and YES it was in my backyard

( really and yes I am originally a Steel Town girl!)

Johnny Daggers: Dawn Of The Dead was filmed in 1978. I was 4 years old. I wish that my memories were as good and as cool as yours. I remember my uncle talking about it, and how excited he was. He was probably 6 or 17 at the time. I remember at the age of 4 watching him make his own monster masks. So for me, my only true memories other than the trailer, was my uncle and his excitement for it. I still fondly remember quotes from the trailer like “Night Of The Living Dead has ended. Dawn Of The Dead Is Here!” and “When There Is No More Room In Hell, The Dead Will Walk The Earth”.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran today and talk one of them into being a zombie and the other a survivor who would it be?

Johnny Daggers: Most likely Nick. He seemed the most obsessed with his hair so I would like to totally gore him up and mess up his hair!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have the pick of one leading lady and one asst director to collaborate with on your next adventure who would you pick? ( ANYONE dead or alive your choice )

Johnny Daggers: Wow. I must say that this interview is more fun and challenging than most that I do. I really love the old “starlets”. Marilyn Monroe, Janet Leigh, Kim Novak, are a few that instantly come to mind. Assistant director would have to be….Rod Serling. Why not? I grew up on the Twilight Zone and always thought that he would have been a cool guy to work with. I think mostly I would like it because after the shoot I would like to see how he acted drunk and crazy. He always seemed so well composed.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the inspiration behind your new full length movie Caustic Zombies?
When can we expect to see it? Will it be at any film festivals?

Johnny Daggers: The Caustic Zombies that you will see, is not the Caustic Zombies that it started out to be. Initially Caustic Zombies was going to be another short film, and more of a sympathetic zombie film. Somewhere along the line, the direction totally changed. I had a dream one night about the near nuclear meltdown at 3 mile island. I wanted to delve in to this scenario more, and with that the story progressed, switched gears and took on a life of its own. Tim Gross who runs his Bastards Of Horror film festival which shows at Pittsburgh’s Horror Realm wants to show Caustic Zombies as the feature film in March of 2011, the expedited release date. But I do have plans of touring horror conventions in the tri-state area, setting up booths and showing the film to whoever will show it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans about Dagger Vision Films and you said you are a horror model; please give our new fans some insight on what that details.

Johnny Daggers: I started Daggervision Films in May of 2010. It was started out of my own disdain for both the local underground and mainstream horror status. I had started a “Horror Chapter” here in Pittsburgh’s called the Steel City Creeps. The chapter was a way for horror enthusiasts and like-minded people to come together, hang out, party and host of own horror functions. We even sponsored some local horror mover and shakers like City Of The Dead. I was really trying to get the chapter to make a difference in what was happening with horror in the Pittsburgh area. The chapter had over 150 members. Unfortunately, everyone wanted to be a member online, but no one actually wanted to go out and partake in events. I had a few events, all of which were very frustrating. I decided that if people were not going to take initiative than I would go it alone. This is when I started Daggervision Films. This is my way of not relying on anyone else but me and my small trusted crew to make a difference in our own way, on our own terms. I never disbanded the Steel City Creeps, it’s just on the back burner. A hiatus if you will.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Are there any other film genres you would like to work on one day?

Johnny Daggers: Honestly, no. I am a horror fiend through and through. And with horror, I can go in any direction. Horror is not one dimensional. A lot of my favorite horror movies combine comedy and dark humor. I’ve added some comedy and dark humor to Caustic. You can do horror romance/love stories. The genre of horror is a large enough umbrella to encompass more than just blood and guts. But I do love my blood and guts.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you would like to share with the fans?

Johnny Daggers: I would just like to ask everyone to please support Daggervision Films. Support Samhain: Night Feast and Caustic Zombies. These films are funded out of my own saving account, which is a very humble one at that. Together we can make a difference in horror. Hollywood is dead. It has run out of ideas. They keep shoving remake after remake down our throats and in doing so, they are insulting our intelligence. When we stop supporting this garbage and start supporting independent film makers, only then will things change. And I can promise that the price of movie tickets would be significantly lower if theaters were showing more independent films, rather than Miramax, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Anyone that donates even one dollar to Caustic Zombies will have their name listed in the credits of the movie. Buying a shirt from the website also counts. We have a paypal account for donations. And lastly, I want to thank you Ladyaslan for taking the time and interest in what I am doing.

TO FOLLOW JOHNNY DAGGERS

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/johnnydaggers

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000037281592&v=wall

You Tube: http: http://www.youtube.com/user/JohnnyDaggers

Personal Website: http://johnnydaggers.com/



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Jan Dark

It's not easy putting a label on Jan Dark. Part Mike Patton, part Santogold, Jan Dark is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter whose music ranges from self-mockery to the technical virtuosity that comes with time.

Growing up in Pforzheim, a few miles outside Stuttgart (Germany), he took his first steps in music at the age of 4, began learning piano at 8, and sang with his school and church choirs.

At 18 he left his hometown, eager to break away from a part of Germany known for being too clean, too small-minded, and moved to Paris where he joined the Sorbonne choir, which he would later leave for a Caribbean choir.

He gave his first vocal performances out of the spotlight, behind his piano. Myriam Makeba and Jo Ann Pickens, along with numerous gospel groups, would benefit from his talent both on stage and in the studio.

Other experiences followed, the kind that enrich the soul without completely satisfying it.

In 2006 he hung a Do Not Disturb sign on the door of his home studio. Because behind a shy exterior, Jan nurtured a burning ambition: to mix his influences (from Public Enemy to Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and experiences into one single music: his own.

A chance encounter on MySpace introduced him to the SELECTOWN label. It was a case of mutual attractions which, after months of hard slogs and live sets in Paris (Set de la Butte, Glaz’art, OPA, Flèche d'Or…), have given his first EP, in collaboration with the Bordeaux-based label CLAC!

Jan made a special remake of Duran Duran’s Union of the Snake for me and I am going to share this incredible haunting dark melody…his vision of their hit song.

Ladyaslan presents the incredible Jan Dark

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Jan Dark:
They've had tremendous success most anywhere in the world, and they've been in the business for over 25 years, so I suppose the answer should be yes. On the other hand, the concept of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just makes me shrug and go “why?” I understand everybody can't be inducted the same year, but did they really have to wait until 2010 for the Stooges? What about George Clinton and Alice Cooper?

I suggest Duran Duran be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their foray into brainwave manipulation.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Tell the fans about your experience singing with the Sorbonne choir in France. What did you study at University?

Jan Dark:
When I grew up in Germany, I had always been part of bands or choirs. When I moved to Paris — a city where I didn't know almost anybody — to study French literature, it was a natural decision to audition for the Sorbonne choir. I was much more at ease in my lower register, but the choir director insisted I had very expressive high notes — probably because I had to scream them! I was thus sent off to the tenor section, without a clue of how to survive the continuous high notes. I opted for the solution of singing in a weak falsetto. Some of the other singers had booming operatic voices and I was completely drowned out. I can tell you that was not good at all for my pop star sized ego. I left the Sorbonne choir after a few months for a vocal group led by a Haitian composer which specialized in a Caribbean repertoire. Singing in Creole turned out to be much more fun, and I was allowed to sing baritone.

I must give some credit to the Sorbonne choir, though. One day, the soprani were rehearsing their part, and some of them were seriously off. When I remarked to my neighbour that I was hearing strange voices he immediately gave me the sobriquet of “Jan d'Arc”. Jan Dark was born!

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Jan Dark:
I'm not really qualified to answer that question. Incredible as it may seem, Duran Duran have succeeded to operate almost completely under my radar for thirty years. Of course, I had heard a smattering of songs on the radio, but that was about it. The first part of my teenage years, which arguably coincided with Duran Duran's most brilliant output, were marred by a mutual misunderstanding between me and many of my classmates. Even though I did have a few good friends, I was a bit of an outsider during four or five years, and while I certainly didn't choose that position, I quickly got used to it and even enjoyed it, making a conscious effort to distance myself from the others. While “they” were happily listening to Duran Duran — the obvious choice for teenagers in those days — I cherished Prince, Japan, Sakamoto, Foyer des Arts and Nina Hagen. I even went so far as to declare some exponents of the more extreme forms of free jazz as much more enjoyable than Duran Duran. My musical snobbery was much encouraged by my older brother who introduced me to the likes of Alien Sex Fiend, Foetus, Soft Cell, Grandmaster Flash and Dead Kennedys.

When you offered me to do this interview, I felt it was my duty to acquaint myself with Duran Duran's oeuvre, and I was surprised to discover their brilliant songwriting. Amongst other things, I love the sound of the early 80s, so their first two albums are right up my alley. At times, they sound like a party version of Japan!!! For the moment, it's impossible for me to pick a favourite song or video. I'm like a child in a candy store.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What did you mean by your “music ranges from self-mockery to the technical virtuosity that comes with time?”

Jan Dark:
Ha, you just cited my press kit! My publisher wrote that sentence, and I can only guess what he was trying to say. I go through bouts of appalling lack of confidence from time to time, which I tend to laugh off with histrionics and a little self-deprecating banter. On the other hand, it's true that I have worked as a musician for many years, so I suppose I know one or two things about music.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Jan Dark:
For the reasons stated above, I'm not qualified to answer that question. I just don't know enough about them for the time being.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Jan Dark:
When I recently listened to their albums in a row, I felt moved to record a version of “Union of the Snake”. The line “voices in your body coming through on the radio” immediately appealed to me in a strange way. It's a very joyful song, but with a menacing undercurrent. Monsieur Le Bon sings about this tremendous force which rises up from some wrong part of the brain, yet there seems to be a positive side as well. If you consider that snakes are used as symbols for either good or evil in different cultures, the song becomes even more fascinating. I tried to come up with a cover version as fast as I could, so you people would have something to listen to while reading this interview.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
How did you come to work with the ‘Selectown’ label? What is their background and what kind of acts are they known to sign??

Jan Dark:
Up until around 2006, I was constantly making songs at home, but not doing much with them, out of lack of confidence. A well-meaning friend of mine bullied me into putting my songs on MySpace. And this is where Selectown found me. As it turned out, their headquarters were only a few kilometres away from where I live. I was very happy that at last someone had noticed my music. Until then, they had worked with several hip hop and R&B artists, but they were increasingly bored and disillusioned with the French hip hop scene, and they were ready for something completely different.

At the time, I had been playing from time to time with the gorgeous burlesque performer Juliette Dragon. I had a character called Gudrun Kinski, which looked like Heidi mixed with a werewolf, and sounded even worse. In September 2006, Gudrun was laid to rest, and Juliette Dragon invited Jan Dark to sing 30 minutes worth of songs at her show. Stéphane from Selectown was there to see me strutting up and down the stage, doing my best to remember the lyrics. And the rest is history. Stéphane became one of my closest friends, and even though he doesn't play an instrument he's part of the band.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Tell us about your first EP in collaboration with Bordeaux based label CLAC!

Jan Dark:
Selectown introduced me to the people from Clac!, but I don't remember how they met in the first place. We released “R.A.W.” in the autumn of 2008, after Clac! had seriously reworked and remixed my songs. I remember the mixing process wasn't easy. The label and I had conflicting views on what was good music. I liked my music loud and undisciplined, whereas Clac! strived to make the songs suitable for the faint of heart. Loads of audio files were sent, drum and guitar sounds were tweaked or replaced, phone calls and compromises were made. All of this resulted in an EP which could have been recorded by someone else, but at least the songs are out there. Everybody needs to make first steps.

I'm currently working on an entire album of eleven songs with Selectown. The recording process is finished, and this time around, the songs will be mixed while I'm in the studio with the engineer.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran today who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Jan Dark:
Nick Rhodes!!! He would have to show me all of his synths and we'd jam along for days. I'm sure he can also tell me one thing or two about good hair products.


LadyaslanDDTTRH:
If you could have the pick of one solo artist and one song writer to collaborate with who would you pick?

Jan Dark:
I find that I have my best ideas when I'm working by myself. I like to have things my way. But I'd certainly be happy to work with somebody who's pushing the limits, to get me out of my comfort zone. John Cameron Mitchell (of “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” and “Shortbus” fame) would be fantastic. Of course, I would also be thrilled to work with Patrick Wolf, Kevin Barnes, Natasha Khan, Late Of The Pier or Wild Beasts. A duet with one of the David's (Bowie or Sylvian)? I scream yes.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Tell the fans about the song Black Daffodil? What was the inspiration behind it?

Jan Dark:
The story behind that song is a story of mystery and daftness in equal parts. I had the initial idea for “Black Daffodil” when I came out of a doctor's practice. I was happily holding the prescription for the pills which would rid me of a nasty infection, and all of a sudden I could feel a chorus coming. Sounds, smells and shapes gelled into something tangible during my way home, and by the time I turned the key in the door lock, I was already humming the chorus, a weird nursery rhyme about a certain “Black Daffodil”. Who was she? A hooker? A transvestite? A drug? Probably a combination of all, even though that's technically impossible. I recorded a fairly definitive version of the chorus right away, and came up with the slowed-down middle part a bit later in the evening.

Musically, I thought it would be fun to make the song sound like Peaches was jamming with the White Stripes, although somebody told me later that the song reminded him of Prince fronting Mindless Self Indulgence... My initial mix sounded very expressionist, with nearly all of the instruments very much in-your-face. It makes for a quite challenging, but ultimately rewarding listen, and I hope I'll be able to release it in a grand way one day.

LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Anything you want to share with your fans old and new?

Jan Dark:
So much to say, so little time... If you like outsider music, make it your mission to track down “Philosophy Of The World” by The Shaggs. It's one of the albums which completely turned my life around.

To Follow Jan Dark:

On iLike, people can listen to the WHOLE new album (tentatively titled "DARQUOISE", and yet to be mixed and mastered), which should come out very soon.

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Jan+Dark

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/jandarkofficial

On YouTube, there's not much for the moment, but a bunch of new videos are in preparation. For the moment, it's mostly DIY videos and concert clips.

http://www.youtube.com/user/jandarkofficial (the videos my dear publisher deems worthy)

http://www.youtube.com/user/kradnaj (the videos I deem worthy)

On MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/jandark



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

DDTTRH's official graphic designer, Nabeel Shahid

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nabeel Shahid as DDTTRH's official graphic designer. The position was offered to Nabeel after he gave us our official logo. We are all pleased to have Nabeel on board. In talking with him, his commitment and excitement about Duran Duran are palpable...and its that type of commitment that will make DDTTRH a 'Big Thing'. Here's a bit more about Nabeel...

Nabeel has been a graphic designer for fifteen years. He went to Woodbury University, and started his own graphic design company: ColourMark Graphics. He has been a fan of Duran Duran since 1982 and has seen them in concert seventeen times since 1983. His thirteen-year-old son Travis saw them for the first time when he was only six months old and has seen them eight times since then. He loves jamming with his son, who plays guitar, while Nabeel plays saxophone as he has since he was nine.

Nabeel truly hopes that this effort to get Duran Duran inducted into the Hall of Fame is successful. Now that the campaign has a face (so to speak), he is very grateful that he is able to play a part. He really believes that if momentum continues to grow, we will all have cause to celebrate in the near future.

Nabeel has been a fan of Duran Duran since 1982 and has seen them in concert 17 times, and is looking forward to the new album with much anticipation. With the 30th anniversary of their first album happening next year, there is a lot to look forward to.

Interview with e-gens

We were born in1987 as the new wave group "OWLSTYLE" Under this name we had our first live stage show at the REST club in the summer of 1991. The songs, "Golden Slumbers", "Just the Cat", "Land of Play"' and "After the Words" were spinning at student discos in Novosibirsk. We were three, Vitaly Volokintin - Lead vocals, Eugene Titkov - songwriter, composer, vocals and Eugene Komarov - composer, programming, and sound. After three years of creativity, we wrote songs and music for two LP albums, "Eagle Hills" (1991) and "Golden Slumbers" (1992). In the autumn of 1992, we participated in a special TV-show on regional television, where we shot our first TV clip. However the absence of modern communications, the development of the music market and free cyber-space did not allow us the time to gain popularity quickly. The group then disbanded in 1993. In the subsequent years, we learned that an independent fan club had been formed in Novosibirsk called "AT-home". In February 2010, in the forum http://synthema.ru independent listeners started as many as four branches of discussions regarding our past and present creativity, all the while truly believing that they were listening to recordings of a rare outstanding group from Europe:

http://www.synthema.ru/20564-neizvestnyjj-ispolnitel.html
http://www.synthema.ru/20068-e-gens-fine-shine2009.html
http://www.synthema.ru/20043e-gens-misc.-tracks-2009.html
http://www.synthema.ru/20875-at-home1990-1991-sbornik.html

Now after 17 years of silence we are back together again. We knew that the world had changed around us. Thus our new project is under the new name e-gens. In the summer of 2009 we completed our new album "Fine!Shine!" Since its establishment in July of 2009 the e-gens page on myspace.com contains: more than 33,000 views, over 15,000 friends and 24,000 music plays- about a100 times a day, more than 2500 enthusiastic comments and messages are left. During our first 2 months we received an invitation to begin cooperation with several Internet radios and net labels. But our goal is to be heard and to be loved by millions people from many countries. It does not matter, we will do it with or without the help of a Record Label.

Music-e-gens is a synthesis of Indie, New Age, and Synthpop. We focus on a particular style of singing in each song, unconventional rhythms, and deep lyrics, written in simple language, with mysterious and beautiful sounds, rich in melodic texture. Our songs are for those live by the sensory world. This, above all, educated people women 18-34 years and men 25-44 years.

Today we begin a series of live concerts in Moscow and Novosibirsk which will be held in May-June 2010. All these performances will be devoted to the debut album from e-gens. We are ready for some solo play and a combined show. Some of the songs we will be playing will be from a forthcoming album as well. Let’s rock this place!

e-gens members:
Eugene Titkov - composer, songwriter, vocals, keyboards
Eugene Komarov - composer, programming, keyboards, and guitar

Like being lost in the White Nights e-gens have an energy that can pulsate and awaken a new winter in ones soul!

Ladyaslan present the BEST synthpop out of Mother Russia…Ladyaslan presents e-gens

члены e-gens:

Евгений Titkov - composer, songwriter, vocals, клавиатуры

Евгений Komarov - composer, программируя, клавиатуры, гитара

как быть потерянным в белых e-gens ночей имеет энергию которая может пульсировать и будит новую зиму в одних душа!

Настоящий момент Ladyaslan САМОЕ ЛУЧШЕЕ synthpop из мати России… Ladyaslan представляет e-gens

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: Yes, of course. Like other legendary explorers and guides the neo-Romantic culture a

new wave - Visage, Ultravox, Soft Cell. We believe that all these artists undeservedly forgotten,

although their musical work is still heard in the originals, remixes and cover songs at various venues

around the world.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Are you self taught musicians or were you both classically trained? At what age did you both start to play music?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: Well, probably in this sense, we are somewhat similar to U2. One Edge, guitarist of U2,

said: "We are self-taught and do not know how to read music. Therefore it is necessary to explain

their ideas with the words ". Once, back in my childhood, I saw a violin in a music shop and told my

mother that really want to get this tool, but my mother just did not take seriously my sudden passion.

When my younger sister went to music school and piano in the house, I sat next to my sister and

started doing the lessons with her. Just for a second or third day I began to compose my music and I

was unable to stop. I was 13 or 14 years old. And Eugene Komarov studied in music school classical

guitar. He had more luck. Ha-ha-ha!

Eugene Komarov: Yes, in some sense. We were born in one year and started playing our music around

the same time. But we grew up in different cities and started playing together when we met at the 4 th

year of study in the Electro technical Institute.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: For the first time I heard Duran Duran in 1984. Their electronic-guitar-style romantic

liking to me immediately. Most of all, I was shocked by the song The Chauffeur and Save a Prayer.

But when there were Come Undone and Ordinary World in 1997 year, we realized that these two

songs will be the most famous in the history of this band.

Eugene Komarov: Yes! In these two songs fully realized huge creative potential band. I think it is top of

their skill - the lyrics, music and craftsmanship. I hope we hear from Duran Duran something new,

like these two brilliant songs. Regarding the video, "Ordinary World" - that's cool!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of e-gens music to any New Age/ Electro/ New Wave fans that hadn't’ heard your music before?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: Our music - a synthesis of Indie, New age and Synthpop. We focus on the particular

manner of singing in every song, original rhythms, deep lyrics, written in simple language, the

mysterious and beautiful sounds, rich melodic texture. Our songs are important for those who live

sensual perception of the world.

Eugene Komarov: People say that our music in the style of Synthpop. However, we think that not too

adhere to this style. Using our synthetic sounds can give the listeners the atmosphere fantastic world

where they can feel for what it really is.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: I think the main thing that Duran Duran have done - it inspired hundreds or even

thousands of creative people to sing the romantic song and frankly believe that this is a real strength.

Eugene Komarov: They proved to everyone that neo-romanticism can be implemented in rock music

too. I think they were the first to use the glamorous style of neo-romanticism in clothes. Maybe such a

term is not exist, but I would have called it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: I understand that releasing a single with a remix of the song "Ordinary World", we can

increase the prominence e-gens more than the any our track. The reason is simple, to promote the

name is easier on the popular materials. But I'm afraid when people hear a favorite song with an

unknown singer and accompaniment, they will think the same thing and in all other cases: "There is

not bad version. Well, who did this cover? Hmm. e-gens? That's interesting. But still better than the

original". They will remember us as imitators. But we want another.

Eugene Komarov: We can do a cover version of any song on any band, if we wish. But we stick to what

is better to sing our own songs. I think that this kind of madness, singing other people's songs,

breaking the idea of the authors and original sound. Yes, we know examples of successful cover

versions. However, we understand that basically, this work is done only to enhance the well-known

young artists. Useful? Yes, for those who do not have an outstanding material. But we believe that our

songs are able to kindle a fire in the souls of each of our listeners.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your FIRST LIVE e-gens show? What song did the fans react to the most and over all

how was your experience?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: The first time we went on stage May 8, 2010. It was a little cabaret cafe "Stray Dog" with

100 seats. Address rehearsed for a month. Advertising was almost none. It's more than 60 people.

Each of them my friends and I actually invited personally. But our joy knew no bounds when we met a

most cordial reception and at the end of the program demanded to perform all the songs again.

Eugene Komarov: Smart enthusiasm and list of songs called “Fine! Shine!” and “I Can Touch the Sun”.

We have twice performed their encore. People took to the stage and danced. Listeners at the tables

clapped and sang along, though many of them have heard our song the first time.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the single I Can Touch The Sun? What was the inspiration behind that song?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: Music basis of the track - I Can Touch the Sun - was established in late 2008, and was

finally completed in summer 2009. Idea of the song was born many years ago, in 1990 and was a

blank verse called "The Suit" to read: "Once again I put on my outrage and disgrace from my former

suit from the primeval forest, my old clothes that will hide anything that reminds you of my beast of

your circle, with you running in fear. I again put on my suit. This glorious dress wild steppe, the dull

thud of hoofs on the ground, sky, twinkling starry rain. I again donned my suit lone pine tree standing,

illuminated magic moon. Once again I sing my song. Everything flows, everything changes. Only the

values remain the same". With the new words, the song has received a more positive sense, and it

better conveys the value of e-gens essence.

Eugene Komarov: While that is the most popular track from our first album. But what is interesting. I Can

Touch the Sun more popular in the U.S. than in Russia. But the title track the album Fine!Shine! is

the most popular among our Russian audience. Why do so - I do not understand. Perhaps Russian

listener likes more sentimental music, American - more dynamic.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion? ( I have a feeling you have done this already ha-ha )

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: I’ll to talk with Simon LeBon. Because he is the voice of the band, as I do. The voice,

which I think is one of the most prominent among many of my favorite artists. But I would not talk to

him about the technique of singing. I wonder what he thinks about our work, which he values in

contemporary music, and why.

Eugene Komarov: I too would be interested to talk with Le Bon. But even more interesting to meet with

the man on which depends the sound of Duran Duran. I would like to know what he thinks about our

sound.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about yourselves…how did you both meet? When did you realize music would the future you two would make come to life?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: We met in spring 1987 at a band rehearsal where we brought up the names of the

bands Ultavox and Visage, two of our favorites. We needed no other common ground we were

instantly brothers, if you want - brothers in arms. And we began to work on new material in the studio,

this was a plain room on the sixth floor of a dormitory facility. We had lots of ideas and energy, but

the means by which to express ourselves left much to be desired. There were numerous attempts

find investors or sponsors to purchase the much needed equipment for developing electronic music.

It was and remains the only genre in which we intend to establish and further the songs and music

through, because we felt free from the constraints of the so-called "live" instruments of electronic

music only. We wanted to create new worlds, full of new and unique colors. All this can only be done

in the synthesis of sound. In addition, we always appreciated that we were children of the space era,

and that we grew up in the age of active development of cybernetics. It was a beautiful testimony with

limitless possibilities of rectification for man and his divine essence. We built on that philosophy.

Eugene Komarov: Then fortune smiled on us when Eugene Titkov's sister had mentioned our love of

electronic music to the leadership of the Novosibirsk Computer Lab. We outsourced the laboratory

staff, which enabled us to use his home computers AGAT series, using the original sound card that

was developed in this same laboratory. The first demonstration of our work drew great success, and

because of this, we gained access to the recording studio of Novosibirsk State Conservatory to

continue our experiments with the creation of electronic music. And here was the moment when we

realized that music came into our life forever.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you come up with the name “e-gens” and why did you choose it??

e-gens:

Eugene Komarov: Gene Titkov long and professionally engaged in marketing. He has a copyright

technology, including methods of creating and developing brands. Here we are with him and a few

our friends in two weeks meets naming, generate keywords, titles, and checked them for freedom,

activities and associations. The result here is unique name.

Eugene Titkov: I would add that we have chosen the name of the 700 or 800 varieties of names, many of

which might be of interest to our band? But we had a tough selection by multiple criteria and the result

was selected only 10 of the most prominent of the unique names. Great work, perseverance and faith

are always rewarded handsomely.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Are there to be any European/ U.S. tour dates in the future or are you staying within Russia? ( by far Russia is the largest country in the world so you could tour forever and ever and still have places you have yet to see) ;-)

Eugene Titkov: Since the beginning of our creation in 1987 to the present time, we orient our work on

audiences around the world, understand where to use English. Thank God these countries in the

world much. Our goal is to listen to our songs and liked a lot of people around the world. That is why

we sing in English. Of course, the first country where we would like to make tour - U.S., Canada,

South America and Europe.

Eugene Komarov: We dream about the tour of the U.S. and Europe and are sure to implement this

vision. But it will be possible when we will create a full repertoire for 2 hours at least, arrange

advertising in places where we want to do live shows and equip a full arsenal of equipment for our

stage. For all that need investment, we are looking for now, are negotiating with record labels,

consider the Producer offers.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Any additional information you would like to share with the fans?

e-gens:

Eugene Titkov: Gathering together, we believe that contemporary music and poetry - a true art, exactly

what had once been the work of Tchaikovsky and Pushkin, Grieg and Shakespeare. We understand

that there is only one way - self-improvement. We chose him. And everyone who picked it, be sure to

get success. We believe in it, because you already listen to our songs and dance together with our

rhythms. And you should know that every our song we make it so that it inspired you to go farther in

life and be a little, but happier, more confident in yourselves and in your future. We believe you, and

forever love.

Eugene Komarov: For me, every listener - expert. No matter what music you like. It is important that you

feel when listening to our songs. So boldly tell us your frank opinion, write us your feedback. They

help us make our songs better for you. Anyone, even just cheer up a specific comment or remark

can affect the quality of our material, the better. And remember, every day we do something, as soon

as possible to meet with you face to face, heart to heart in our live shows.

Thank you Ladyaslan and I’m glad to be a part of the effort to get Duran Duran to the Hall of Fame.

Вы Ladyaslan и я радостен быть частью усилия получить Duran Duran к Hall Fame.



To Follow e-gens:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/e-gens

Official e-gens Website: http://e-gens.com/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1553061238207&sk=messages#!/pages/e-gens/128116950776?v=wall

Last.FM: http://www.last.fm/music/e-gens

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/ddrockhall/blog#ixzz13BcZnCHz

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Выучить больше о Duran Duran к утесу Hall - официальное усилие (DDTTRH) и подписать наше ходатайство, пожалуйста посещает наше место http://ddttrh.info/ hub.

Interview with TAWk

The ingenious soul of TAWk remains hidden behind the veils of alchemy. The experience and innovative style of TAWk has been a part of a cultural movement for over a decade, where sound has been redefined for simply the love of it. TAWk's unique sound is eclectic, innovative, and euphoric in style; its intonation is incomparable to the mainstream.

Using the scriptures of life, there can only exist the passion for music. TAWk can assess an artist’s energy, talent and change the ordinary into extraordinary. As a visionary, TAWk utilizes personal life experiences and achievements to enhance the musical landscape of a mélange of artists including such artists as Drum and Bass impresario's Goldie, Groove Rider, and Adam F; Trip Hop artist Martina Topley-Bird, Mecca aka Grimo, Soul Flower,Dakini, Mama Wisdom, Suka,Violet Fire, Nile; Alternative Pop groups Travis, Juliette.

Unpredictable, esoteric, this avatar of music bridges cultures, gender and genre under the universal symbol of TAWk. It's more than a sound; it's a movement, peace...

Smooth grooves and intense beats and sounds and ideas that just lure you in and keep you in a state of awe!

Ladyaslan presents TawK

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

TAWk: yes why not they’ve paid their dues.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: On your profile on MySpace you state TAWk is “the art of sight and sound” please indulge the readers what you meant by that statement…

TAWk: TAWk is passionate about the way art can convey this same message/ energy as do music/sound.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

TAWk: Of course Notorious!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is the story behind the song “oFF the Range??

TAWK: TAWk spends countless hours in the studio, we feel it conditions the way one can truly express themselves — more importantly we feel a responsibility to pay homage to artist who have pave the way or just can simply influence your sound. Every now and then TAWk will do a cover song, and flip it into our own creative concoction …but keeping the respect for the artist who created the original song.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

TAWk: they’re truly pioneers in the mainstream of music and fashion, seriously!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

TAWk: hmmmmmmmmm?

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your video single “The Healing of Haiti” ft: StarSinger and friends

TAWk: we are humanitarians first and foremost … the Haiti song entitled “ I’m Haiti” was done for the sole purpose of creating awareness for the earth quake victims in Haiti, But it doesn’t start or stop there we are all responsible for human beings globally.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the TAWk movement and who is in your divine circle?

TAWk: The movement consists of like minded artist all over the world they are handpicked for it is important for artist to remember we must be become selfless in order to give back in our communities

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

TAWk: to sit and meet with them all…and tawk about everything!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe your specific style of Trip-Hop/ Eclectic/ Electro music to a new fan who never heard of TAWk before?

TAWk: we pride ourselves on none conforming our sound --music is determined by the listener…so to describe TAWk would be simply put (vibrations).

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could sing a duet with one band and one solo artist; who would you pick?

TAWk: Miles Davis

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you would like to share with your fans?

TAWk: Just Luv each other - and allow others to simply live in peace…

Thank you Ladyaslan and I’m glad to be a part of the effort to get Duran Duran to the Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.



To Follow TawK:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/iiitawk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1663495777

2nd Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TAWk/106611722713976YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/tawkin

Interview with Blair

This new act comes to us from San Francisco, California. To describe the new artist Blair is like trying to explain the sound of happiness...one must be in the moment and just listen and that is what I suggest to you all~

Blair is Rock. Blair is a melody. Blair is now! So come walk with Ladyaslan and let’s get lost in the world of Blair and his focus on Electro/Rock music~

Ladyaslan Presents BLAIR!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Blair: Yes, they are a great band who's done a lot for music and the music video. I definitely think they deserve to be in it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Blair?

Blair: Blair is my last name.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favourite Duran Duran song and video?

Blair: My favourite song is Hungry like a Wolf. As far as videos I like Rio for its humor and Girls on Film for its artiness. Most all of their videos have elements of both of these but those are the two I like best.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Blair to any New Wave/ Electro fans who hadn't heard your band before?

Blair: I would describe it as electronic with some roots in alternative rock.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Blair: They were one of the pioneers of the music video in the early 80s during the early MTV years. Their videos are very innovative. In fashion they are great at throwing the model element into music. They have a keen fashion sense that I think influenced a lot of people.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Blair: Hungry Like the Wolf. Mainly because I like that song and hear a lot of cool things I could do with it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: When did Blair originally form? Tell us about yourself; where you’re from...

Blair: A little over a year ago here in San Francisco. I had been writing and playing songs with a band for a while and was inspired to add a major electronic element to everything. I bought some new equipment and jumped right into it. I think I surprised a lot of people. A lot of my background is primarily in rock and playing guitar but not a lot of people knew about the electronic projects I have done in the past. I basically decided to bring that back somewhat and combine it with what I was already doing.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the single Someone- what was the public reaction and the thought behind the song?

Blair: That song is actually a combination an older song I wrote with some recent lyrics. A lot of people really like that song and some tell me it’s their favourite. The song is a reflection of a place I was in when I wrote it. I was down and hopeful at the sometime.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Blair: Nick Rhodes. We would probably discuss synthesizers.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is/was the genesis of making your demo?

Blair: I wanted to have some music available as soon as possible. I didn’t have much of a budget to work with but luckily a lot of it I could do at my apartment. However to record the vocals I needed a more private and secluded space. A friend of mine had a space I could along with a really nice microphone and compressor. I did all the vocals for all four songs in one night. It literally took all night from about 7pm to 8am the next day. My voice was horse by the end but all the vocals were done and I was ready to start mixing. All in all I think it came out pretty well.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to your song lyrics?

Blair: Most of my lyrics are about experiences and adventures I’ve had.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your rare acoustic performance at the Java House in SF a few weeks back...

Blair: I hadn’t done one in over a year and a friend who was putting together the show asked me to do a set. It was just me and an acoustic guitar. I had a good time and a lot of people enjoyed it.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you want to share with the fans?

Blair: I am thankful for those who support me. Look for some new songs to be released soon. I don’t have an exact date right now but my newsletter offers the latest info. I’m also sending those who are on it a freebie song when they are ready. Sign up for that at www.blairsounds.com

Thank you Ladyaslan and I’m glad to be a part of the effort to get Duran Duran to the Hall of Fame.

To Follow Blair:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/blairsounds

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blairsounds

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/blairsounds

Band’s webpage: http://www.blairsounds.com/

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=334197612&id=334197598&s=143441&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interview with Evokateur

An electronic pop collaboration between the obscure, cinematic soundscapes of a technical minded Mexican boy and the solid song writing and diva-dolly vocals of an extremely sensitive, yet fiery English girl.

Inspired by childish dreams, deep emotions, futuristic worlds and romantic encounters, the music is by turns lush and beautiful, sinister and aggressive.

Evokateur perform with lots of differently shaped keyboards and synth-drums creating a "humming pop buzz" with bold robotic layers intensified by Sarah's emotive vocals.

Evokateur exists in a dark world of ashes but raises with a brave and beautiful proposal, like a mechanoid orchid, a flower living in a post apocalyptic era.

Evokateur chatted with me about their music and Duran Duran to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....grab a cold one and kick back for a lil Saturday read:

Ladyaslan Present’s Evokateur~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Evokateur: Definitely, they’ve had a very long and successful international career both live and in the studio with so many top ten singles and almost all of their albums went gold.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Evokateur?

Evokateur: We wanted to change our name from Libelula as many people in the UK found it difficult to pronounce and therefore to remember. We spent months trying to think of a new name, it was very consuming and I remember driving to Oaxaca in Mexico down long and straight roads thrashing out ideas! After a big brainstorming session with Jack (Sarah’s brother) and Laurie from the design company Proper & Prim, Jack suggested Evokateur. We loved it and thought it was perfect.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favourite Duran Duran song and video?

Evokateur:

Hector: Song – Save a Prayer, Video – Electric Barbarella

Sarah: Song – Come Undone, Video - Notorious

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Evokateur to any New Wave/ Electro fans who hadn't heard your band before?

Evokateur: Sexy, bold, sinister, powerful, sophisticated and emotive

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Evokateur: They have always been very innovative and adventurous by mixing style, music and videos but staying elegant and sophisticated.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about this "humming pop buzz" sound that makes Evokateur unique and different from other bands...

Evokateur: its electronic music with a dark edge based on synths and computers, but the songs have pop structures with emotional melodies and lyrics. It's like getting Madonna to sing over one of the darker Depeche Mode songs or a Bat for Lashes/ Ladytron crossover.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Evokateur: Notorious, as it is a brilliant song that brings back lots of memories, but we would take a much darker approach…

Evokateur: Hector used to play drums in Redstar (Downtempo/chillout project featuring Saint Saviour on vocals) and had the opportunity to record at Metropolis studios where Dom was engineering/producing.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to record at Metropolis Studio's where Duran Duran ( Bjork & Pulp & The Libertines ) and producers like Mark Ronson and Dave Stewart have worked on hits?

Evokateur: It was awesome! We mainly did mixing and mastering there but those moments felt like we're a "proper" band. You're always hoping to bump into one of your heroes at the cafe or pool table. You also realise how cool your tracks sound through their massive speakers.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Evokateur: We’d choose John Taylor and chat about how to keep believing in yourself and your music after all that time and how to endure the hard times with the band.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is ChillBar Volume 2? How did you end up on this compilation?

Evokateur: It is a Chillout compilation released worldwide through a German label called Sine Music. We responded to an ad they placed on a music community site called music2deal. "Space" is one of our earlier, more ambient tracks.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to the lyrics on the debut album?

Evokateur: We didn’t write the songs at first with a theme in mind but as the album has progressed, certain elements have shone through, such as dreams, landscapes, fairytales and strong characters. Two of the songs are based on films – ‘Misery’ on the cult classic of the same name and the lyrics for Undone were inspired by ‘Pulp Fiction’! I like writing lyrics which are fairly vague and ambiguous so that the listener can take what they want from the song and make their own interpretation.

To Follow Evokateur:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/evokateur

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/evokateur

Band’s website: http://www.evokateur.co.uk/evokateur/home.html


To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

Interesting things to know about that Sun News article...

So I spent probably two hours with Jeff Piorworski in my home when I interviewed for the Sun News article at http://blog.cleveland.com/cgi-bin/mte/mt-comments.cgi. During the interview, I mentioned each staff member by name, something that did not come up in the interview. Later, I was told that their names were taken out because it is a small paper and they didn't believe that many people would know them if their names were included.

I did actually go over the lineup of Duran Duran with Jeff--don't know how Andy's name got excluded. I did not give Jeff the spelling of 'Durannie' either...lol! He said he found it later on a website.

It's true I played for Jeff the White Lines video...no idea why he said this was a non-hit song. He should have check out this wikipedia article about it...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lines_%28Duran_Duran_song%29 I also remember playing Falling Down for him.

Also...when Jeff asked me if Duran Duran might make it to the Rock Hall, he says I said that "That's a good question. They might, but I think our effort will help", when I actually remember saying "That's a good question. Yes, but our effort may get them there sooner."

So I also mentioned Neil Carlill's name along with Warren's to him, and about their new venture, Chicanery. Probably another space issue. If you read this Neil...SORRY!

I heard some people got upset about the line about Duranies being 'rabid'. I have no idea where that came from. I had a funny conversation with LadyAslan later about this and she said to me something like "I felt like going and putting shaving cream in my mouth after reading that!" Or was it whipped cream?

My good wife came down and interviewed with Jeff. I remember hearing her say that she not only supported me, but also was happy I was doing something I enjoyed. I felt an extra special appreciation for her in that moment.

That same night I had friends come over to play Talisman, the 4th edition, a popular UK fantasy game that I really enjoy playing with friends. It was funny that as my friends were walking in, I was at the table and Jeff was taking pictures of me with my Duran Duran stuff. My friends thought I was a bit crazy and old school...they are all younger than me.

The day the article came out, I went to pick it up at my local Walgreen's drug store. Rio was playing on the radio. I had the strange sensation that the universe was speaking somehow.

I got an email from Yahoo News, local affiliate, the next day after the article was published wanting to interview me. I told them I could, however begged them to mention my staff. I even wrote my staff expressing disappointment that they were not mentioned.

I just posted a comment on this article (and also shared some of this during my Yahoo News article), as follows...
"Something not mentioned in this article, due to space constraints I was told, are the efforts of my AMAZING and DEDICATED staff. There's Josie our amazing editor...Jason the master of the Youtube presence who also landed us an article in Canada...Kandice, the Petition Duchess who has shown amazing commitment with following up with bands and artists to get them to sign our petition or invite friends to do so...LadyAslan, the award winning poetess who has done an amazing job at interviewing bands and artists to support our effort. I'd say LadyAslan has been the most committed and the most energetic member of the staff...the best thing going for us...who we all admire and who gives us the challenge of keeping up with her. Donna, who helps with our posts and who has an amazing heart....and finally Christian, the computer master...who enjoys sitting in front of his computer with a beer and masterfully works on our main site.

I would be nothing without my staff...I just want to make sure they get some mention.
Thanks, Kirk"

Next stop...Yahoo News!

Cheers Everyone!

Kirk, DDTTRH

Interview with Jagged

Jagged is an electro/darkwave/rock band from Bristol in the UK~

Jagged is: Iain Brownlie – Vox, Marc Trueman - Keyboards, Programming, Ade Pridham - Bass, Producer, Steve John – Guitar, Matt Mohangee – Drums

Combichrist with Jagged as Support, played on 3rd August 2010 at The Tunnels, Bristol.Combichrist have played to Wembley! Yep - February 2010 the band went on tour with Rammstein across the Europe and the UK woo-ing crowds and blowing people away with their immense beats. Now Jagged is a band that has proven they can share the bill with top darkwave/electro/industrial bands such as the above mentioned so it does seem that commercial success is a realistic possibility for this incredible band!

Jagged has a video that is being produced by Andy Sutton who has numerous film, tv and music video credits inc Paul McCartney, Pretender, Cheaky Girls (lol) etc. His music videos have appeared on MTV, Top of the Pops and The Box. This video is likely to be aired and shown on MTV Germany, and we want to pull out all the stops on this.

So what we are looking for is some simulated live crowd shots on Saturday 9th October 2010. The venue will be The Tunnels near Templemeads Train Station. You will need to be there for 11.45am and we will be be shooting between 12.00 - 15.00hrs. So please just come along in your best togs be part of the video.

Here is the exclusive interview of our infamous new band on the scene JAGGED~

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Jagged: Absolutely, Duran Duran was probably the most dominant band in the 80’s, their music and videos were inspirational and a household name.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about Jagged...what makes you all tick? How long have you all been involved in music? How did you come up with the name Jagged?

Jagged: Jagged as a band has been in existence approximately 2 ½ years. We are all from various music backgrounds from classical, indie, electronic music to metal and punk. Music is our love and to a greater or lesser degree our life, combined we have been involved in music some 50 plus years. The name jagged came out of our keyboard players’ favourite artist Gary Numan’s album ‘Jagged’.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Jagged: Ade – God there are so many, let me think, ok, I am torn between 2 tracks I'm afraid one being The Chauffeur – I love it’s atmospheric and energy even though it’s a relatively slow song and the other being Planet Earth, it’s raw analogue synthesis, it’s one of their earlier tracks and to me one of their best. Mark – Wild Boys as I loved the video, when you think of the era, the video’s amazing. Matt – View to a kill, my favourite as Duran Duran music for the same title James Bond Film. Steve – Notorious, being a guitarist it draws you into the track, fine musicianship. Iain – As a singer and a lyricist words are important to me and the song that does it for me is Save a Prayer for its lyrical content and musicality.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Jagged to any Indie/ Rock / Post Punk fans who hadn’t heard of you before?

Jagged: Jagged although has found it’s mark in the Alternative Electro/Synth/ Rock/Darkwave genre is actually a melting post a kind of New Darker 80’s Electro combined with elements of Rock, pop, indie and dance. We have been described as the Modern Ultravox and the UK equivalent of Apoptygma Berzerk. We draw inspiration from Gary Numan, Ultravox, Duran Duran, Mesh, Apoptygma Berzerk. We are happy to say that we are musical and not the same as a lot of the thud, thud, thud electro outfits out there.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Jagged: It pretty much speaks for itself, their videos were innovative, lavish and set the benchmark, which other bands had the unenviable task of following, and there timeless tracks have stood the test of time which is a testament to their musicianship. They went from New Romantics to mainstream yet still at the forefront of clothes and hair fashion, like ‘model musicians’.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you and the band get involved with Devolution Magazine?

Jagged: It came about when we played a show supporting The Shaklin Freakshow in Swindon, there was a couple of people we noticed that stood out in the audience that were, individual, alternative and seemed to be really out to enjoy themselves for each and every band playing, it was a good night and the venue was pretty good. The audience was good and lively, but the couple definitely stood out in a good way. After the show, the couple who turned out to be Nickie and Rob from Devolution Magazine approached us obtained a copy of our debut album ‘Autumn Fall’, and immediately booked us to play the Devolution Xmas Party. Since then they have keenly and actively supported us in the magazine.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Jagged: To be honest, in the past we recorded and performed one cover song ‘Damned don’t Cry’ by visage, it was put on the album and has always been received well at shows and is still requested, but we never really enjoyed playing it, we always felt it wasn’t our song, which of course it wasn’t. Our viewpoint is don’t remake, play or mess about with something original as nothing ever compares to the genuine article.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was it like to get the news that your band will support Combichrist? How did that come to be?

Jagged: We were pleased, but then again we are always pleased and appreciative of all the shows we play and perform be it a small intimate show or playing with bands such as Mesh, Emily Autumn or Combichrist. Combichrist are respected and liked by many, it has helped them the fact that they were touring support for Rammstein. Being a Bristol show, we were the obvious choice for the National Promoter, hence why we were booked.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the thought behind the song/lyrics of Subterranean?

Jagged: The lyrics for Subterranean are inspired by the Hindu belief in the re-incarnation......

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/reincarnation.asp

The lyrics are written from the perspective of a "soul" looking back on a previous life........Deep I know. Well you did ask ;)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Jagged: To each of us would be the opposing member, i.e, Ade Pridham Bassist would be John Taylor – Ade has the same make of Bass that John used on some of the early Duran Duran tracks, which is a Kubicki XFactor, but John used the very first prototype. His topic would be his style of playing, did it evolve or change for Duran Duran or did he play that way from the outset. Mark Trueman Synth Player would be Nick Rhodes – Growing up in the 80’s he was hypnotized by the Synthesizer, Mark’s topic would be about Analogue v Digital Synthesis. Matt Mohangee Drums would be Roger Taylor, his topic of conversation would be about his thoughts on digital kits over acoustic, Matt being firmly in the acoustic arena, would love his view point. Steve John Guitar would be Andy Taylor, he says, well you can see a trend here, definitely topic would be guitar’s, amp’s and women lol. Finally Iain Brownlie Singer would be Simon Le Bon and his topic being about the history of Duran Duran, how it evolved and how much the music did and lyrics change from when Stephen Duffy departed and Simon joined the group.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the band members of Jagged~

Jagged: We are at our best when we play live. We are like a jigsaw, a jumble of individuals, when first tipped out of the box, but as soon as we are on the stage, the pieces come together musically, the picture is clear for all to see and hear, a very tight and polished band.

Iain B: I am the Singer and lyricist for jagged, I come from a very different background to the other guys, my influence is predominantly Indie and dance. If you were to ask me who my favourite band is I would have to say Muse.

Marc Trueman: I am the Programmer and Synth Player for Jagged. I am very much an 80’s electro boy. All the usual suspects have inspired me, Gary Numan, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Depeche Mode, TFF etc.

Ade Pridham: I am the Producer and Bass Player for Jagged. I am very much the alternative guy in the band. Lucky enough to have been an original punk turned New Romantic and then Cyber lout lol. My influences range from punk through to Electro Pop, Goth, Cyber and even Classical. The bands that influence me most are Mesh, Apoptygma Berzerk, The Birthday Massacre and Portion Control amongst others.

Steve John: I am the guitarist for Jagged. Musically I like, Indie, Rock & Metal. Many bands influence me from Guns and Roses through to Muse, VNV Nation & The Birthday Massacre. I am the youngest member and am not too well up on 80’s Electro, however, since joining jagged I have grown to love the scene we play in.

Matt Mohangee: I am the drummer for Jagged. Although a rock drummer at heart, I have been playing in Synth based bands for approx 6 years and love the scene. I have a diverse music taste, far too many to mention J

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the Jagged debut album "Autumn Fall"

Jagged: It’s very difficult to talk about something so close to the heart, so maybe the thoughts and reviews of Magazines can some our debut up:

I’m not exactly certain what I expected from Autumn Fall, but I must admit that it certainly wasn’t what I got. The minimalist cover of a black background with a gas mask put me in mind of the likes of Leather Strip whilst the band photograph on the inside, depicting the band in Cargo pants and Cyberdog tops made me expect some bog standard, or worse yet, sub-standard, EBM. Jagged are neither of these things. Instead I was treated to an album of first class tunes. Driving electronica fused with guitar, bass and drums Jaggeds’ sound put me in mind of a lot of things, taking the best of Gary Numan, Ultravox, The Dream Disciples, The Clan of Xymox and injecting something new to produce a sound that is unmistakably their own. Now people who know me, know that is high praise indeed, as there are few albums I will listen to all the way through in a single sitting for pleasure, I mostly do that when writing reviews. Left to my own devices I like to mix it up a bit more, a track by band X then one by band Y then band Z, and so on. This, however, is an Album I will listen to all the way through twice in a row for the sheer joy of it. The drums, bass and guitars fill out the sound quite nicely, and the smooth vocals are excellently delivered by Iain Brownlie who has a very good voice indeed. I can’t name a weak track on the album, although I do have a favorite, which is track 8 “Damned Don’t Cry”.
This is an album that will very much appeal to the fans of Numan, Ultravox, Xymox, and the Dream Disciples (Although they aren’t as heavy as latter disciples work).
8/10 TWF Magazine Issue .. 11 April 2009

....Bristol.... based five piece outfit Jagged have been welcomed into the industrial loving arms of the Rebco Records family and Autumn Fall is a nine track plus bonus ‘In this Studio’ video result of that partnership. Vocalist Iain Brownlie has a smooth and eclectic voice that serenades over the edgier more sharpened musical styling’s that this talented band play so effortlessly. Having seen these guys live recently their record is almost a mirror representation of what they achieve in front of the crowd and if you are into your cyber, industrial darkwave with elements of Goth and electronica then these guys won’t disappoint even the harshest genre critic. In fact we loved them so much that we immediately booked them for the Devolution Xmas Party.

Reviewed by Nickie Hobbs (issue 22 Devolution Magazine)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you want to speak about or share with the fans?

Jagged: We are busy in the Studio at the moment working on our follow up album ‘Undisputed King of the Tragedy’. The Album will be released on Monday 7th February 2011 . There is going to be an Album Launch Show & Party at The Tunnels, Bristol on Friday 4th February 2011 , followed by UK & European show dates. Watch this space, exciting times ahead. We would like to thank all our fans for supporting us and also you Ladyaslan for this opportunity. Jagged over and out J


FOLLOW JAGGED:

http://www.myspace.com/jaggedbanduk

http://www.barkingdogstudios.co.uk/home.cfm

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/

Interview with Engines of Necessity

Engines of Necessity ( EoN ; engines_of_necessity ; engnec ) is an industrial rock project started in the winter of 2009 by Jake Bormann. The first glimpses of the work surfaced on Myspace in early 2010, to an overwhelmingly positive reception. Engines of Necessity is currently in the process of finishing a debut LP and launching a proper web presence. Jake Bormann, the sole contributor, has been busy establishing Obligatory Records and Publishing, LLC. To handle the copyright and publishing requirements necessary to distribute the debut and all future works by Engines of Necessity.

Engines of Necessity is in the very early phases of establishing a live, touring band to further market the future of music. If you're a guitarist, bassist, piano/keyboard/synth player, drummer or singer in the Denver metropolitan area and would be interested in interpreting the early songs of Engines of Necessity into live performance pieces, please e-mail enginesofnecessity@live.com with brief bio/contact info.

Visit Engines of Necessity's MySpace and hear the future of music:

http://www.myspace.com/enginesofnecessity

Follow Jake on Twitter and get inside the mind of the evil genius

@engnec ; http://www.twitter.com/engnec

COMING SOON!!:http://www.enginesofnecessity.com

Engines of Necessity ( EoN ; engines_of_necessity ; engnec ) is an industrial rock project started in the winter of 2009 by Jake Bormann. The first glimpses of the work surfaced on Myspace in early 2010, to an overwhelmingly positive reception. Engines of Necessity is currently in the process of finishing a debut LP and launching a proper web presence. Jake Bormann, the sole contributor, has been busy establishing Obligatory Records and Publishing, LLC. to handle the copyright and publishing...

Jake chatted with moi about all sorts of great and interesting stuff, so pull up a seat and have a peek!

Ladyaslan presents: Engines of Necessity!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Engines of Necessity: Absolutely! I feel like rock and roll music has always been an ever-evolving mutant of various genres and influences, grabbing onto new ideas when needed and discarding the old in kind. If it weren’t, we'd still just call it the blues!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did you all come up with the name Engines of Necessity?

Engines of Necessity: As soon as the internet took over media, and especially the music industry, the bar for reaching a large audience plummeted. Bands flooded MySpace with every level of proficiency in every genre imaginable. And every single one of them had a cute (or horrific, I take it on a case-by-case basis) band name to go by. Since I couldn’t call myself No One Important (it was taken,) I made a list of names and phrases that pleased my ear and immediately checked them on Google, which kept the list quite small overall. I let the names simmer for a few weeks, occasionally crossing one off as it became laughable, weak, or I found a band out of Topeka with the same name. I had about five left on the list and started doodling logos one day. Most were junk and looked like I was making a fan poster for some second-string Woodstock act. I reached Engines of Necessity halfway down. It was way too long to spell out, so I fashioned a fish-like merger of the letters E-O-N and realized, "That's it! That's my Aerosmith Wings, my Rolling Stones lips." After feeling the name and logo out with friends and family, Engines of Necessity was born.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?

Engines of Necessity: Song: Come Undone - Beautifully composed, delicately layered, a true masterpiece. Video: Girls on Film - For its boundary-pushing subject matter.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the specific style and sound of Engines of Necessity to any New Wave/ Electro/ Industrial fans who hadn’t heard your band before?

Engines of Necessity: I make Industrial rock music with a focus on heavy, danceable beats. My songs range from aggressive, metalesque composition, to down tempo lamentations, to funk-inspired, electronica musings.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and fashion in the past 30 yrs?

Engines of Necessity: Duran Duran came onto the rock and roll scene at a pivotal time in rock music. The public was growing weary of folk ballads and disco carbon-copies, and the band blew into the scene with an energetic, synthesized swagger that retained many of the sacred elements of rock and roll. Not surprisingly, an entire decade of musicians (and some from decades gone by) was left scrambling to shape themselves into the sound, and image, that Duran Duran projected so effortlessly.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What Duran Duran song would you like to remake if you could and why?

Engines of Necessity: Notorious. I can remember when I was younger, and all I knew from Duran Duran's back catalog was "Hungry Like the Wolf," and even that was only through my mother. When a friend's brother turned me on to the Biggie Smalls song that sampled Notorious, I was instantly drawn in. The vocal hook, the funky guitar, it was amazing. When I started my journey through music's viney branches, discovering all the music I had missed from being born too late, or raised too young, I discovered the original. The modernist in me almost skipped on to the next song when I recognized that it was not Puffy's over-simplified, over-glossy kiss-off; but I held fast and let it ride, discovering an amazing (real) bass line beneath the melody. I discovered a song about keeping up appearances at any cost, struggling for power; it was all very Bret Easton Ellis, and it overshadowed my initial encounter with the melody completely. I wouldn't mind taking a stab at capturing the complete song's essence, in my own way of course, rather than just a catchy hook.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: When did Engines of Necessity originally form? Tell us about, well…you; where you’re from...

Engines of Necessity: Engines of Necessity is Jake Bormann, I am Engines of Necessity. I live, work, play and create in Colorado. The project was formed when I found myself completely fed up with the inherently flaky nature of start-up and local bands. I was so fed up with the scene that I stopped playing music altogether for the better part of a year. Still, even away from the task of making it, I felt a pain every time I drove around listening to the "music" they churn out on national modern rock radio. I thought, if I hate this so much, why don't I at least try to do something better. I took my scattered wealth of musical and rhythmic knowledge, as well as my bottomless pit of multi-genre influences, and started clicking songs out with a mouse and keyboard on the computer. This allowed me the freedom to layer different sounds on command, and I took to it like a fish to water. As my early projects started to take on steam, I continued to upgrade my equipment, while simultaneously upping my web-presence.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the single Pomp and Prominence- what was the public reaction and the thought behind the song?

Engines of Necessity: The public reaction to Pomp and Prominence, as well as all of the early songs, has been overwhelmingly positive. I find it interesting that people who normally never listen to my style of music, stumble upon it on a whim, give it the thirty-second chance and end up staying for the whole playlist. Many write me, encouraging me along in my work, expressing their relief that I'm doing "the same old thing." As far as the thought behind the song, I wanted to send out a warning (to myself as much as to the listener) not to let your scars embolden you. We've all been through our bottoms, in various forms, and it is through overcoming these that we, at our best, remain grounded. At our worst, we can use our darkest hours as sardonic badges of pride, to put others down for not having “been through it.”

LadyaslanDDTTRH: If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran who would it be and what would be topic of discussion?

Engines of Necessity: Nick Rhodes, the driving musical force of the bands 32-year career. I would discuss the ever-changing state of rock and roll music, and get his impression on where it all is headed.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What is/was the genesis of making your debut album? What is the title and where will fans be able to purchase a copy?

Engines of Necessity: The debut album, in its fullest form will be titled, "The Preliminary Sounds of Upheaval." The songs are intended to be digestible individually in an MP3 world, and indeed are written in a way to let each listener be affected in their own way by the songs. Fans can currently download the first five singles, semi-officially called "Impatient: The E.P." completely FREE! From www.reverbnation.com/enginesofnecessity until I can further establish a proper web presence, and thus release the full-length album.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Is there a specific theme or story to the lyrics on the debut album?

Engines of Necessity: The overall story arc, as loose as it is, is of a central character, bogged down in burden, struggling to be free. Once obtaining it (or at least a taste), he finds himself becoming all that he once despised, once sought freedom from. He rebels against his new self and those who made him.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you want to share with the fans?

Engines of Necessity: I'd just like to thank you, and really your whole movement, for taking the time to remember us little guys while working to get a truly groundbreaking band like Duran Duran into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit our hub site http://ddttrh.info/.

FOLLOW Engines of Necessity:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/engines-of-necessity/123783714314726

http://twitter.com/engnec

http://www.myspace.com/enginesofnecessity