Interview with Whispers in the Shadow

Whispers in the Shadow can be described as an Epic Gothic Rock Band which is influenced by occult writings and themes.

"Whispers" was formed as a solo project by Ashley Dayour (Vocals, Guitars, also known as guitarist for L'Âme Immortelle & Veneno para las Hadas) in 1996.

They soon developed into a full line up and released the first album called "Laudanum" in 1997 followed by the second Album "November" in 1999. These first two records have been very influenced by the sound of early The Cure recordings such as "Pornography".

In 2000 they released the third album "A Taste of Decay" which was a departure to a more rock orientated sound. Followed only one year later by "Permanent Illusions" which was even more far away from the Gothic Rock origins of this band. Psychedelic and progressive rock bands such as Pink Floyd had a major influence on the sound of this record.

After touring all across Europe in 2001 they released the first live album called "Everything you knew was wrong" in 2003, but several line up and record label changes forced them to take a break.

Whispers in the Shadow returned in 2007 with the live recorded "A-Cold-Night" followed by the re-releases of the first two albums "Laudanum" and "November" ,remastered with new cover artwork and unreleased bonus tracks.

In 2008 they finally released the fifth studio album, the first one in seven years, called "Into the arms of chaos". This album can be seen as a new beginning and is produced by John A.Rivers at Woodbine Street Recording Studios. He also worked with bands such as The Chameleons, Clan of Xymox, Love and Rockets, Dead can Dance or Sopor Aeternus and created a more harsh and powerful but still dark and psychedelic sound, which was described by the press now as "Goth-Floyd" a mixture of the traditional Gothic Rock sound like Fields of the Nephilim with the soundscapes of Pink Floyd The lyrics are inspired by Chaos Magic and Occult writers such as Austin Osman Spare, Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, Kenneth Grant, but also writers from the Weird Fiction genre like Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen and the Cthulhu Mythos by H.P.Lovecraft.

Ladyaslan presents....Whispers in the Shadows

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

Whispers in the Shadow:

First of all I have to confess that I’m not such a Duran Duran fan as you and your readers might be, but having said that I really do like what I know of them, so therefore yeah they deserve that. Even though I’m really not sure if I get that whole Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame concept. The music is good enough without such a thing, but if it makes them and the fans happy of course!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans how you came up with the name Whispers in the Shadow ( are you / band H.P. Lovecraft fans ). Tell us about the band members and how you all met.

Whispers in the Shadow:

Yeah indeed, our band name was inspired by the H.P.Lovecraft story “The Whisperer in the dark”.

I’m pretty much under the influence of the whole Lovecraft creation. There are a lot of references in the lyrics. Just take a song like “Down by the Sea” which is very inspired by a story called “The Shadow over Innsmouth” for example.

But there are other writers as well, also from an occult background such as the well known Aleister Crowley, Austin Osman Spare, Kenneth Grant or more post modern writers such as Peter Carroll and Thomas Karlsson.

*ASHLEY DAYOUR (Voice, Guitar)

Since I’m doing all the interviews alone I will just tell you how I meet the other guys.

I started the band back in 1996, as a solo project, but soon became a complete band.

*FORK (Bass)

I knew Fork long before he was in the band, in 1999 our first bass player left the band and me and Fork shared a house together at the country-side. We got along really well so I just asked him to join for a view shows we had ahead supporting HIM. After that he just stayed and I’m very happy he still does, even though he left the band from 2001-2005 to go to India for a while, but he came back and I’m very glad he joined us again at the right time.

*MARTIN ACID (Keyboards)

Was pretty much the same story with Martin, I knew him long before he was in the band. When I decided that we need a proper keyboard player I asked him and he stayed ever since. I did the keyboards until he came, and I’m far from being good at it, we needed someone who would contribute on another level.

*REINHARD SCHWARZINGER (Drums)

He just joined the band a couple of months ago and came to us when Curt Benes left the band because of private reasons. It was very hard to find a new drummer, we tested like 20 or so…and I was very relieved when Reinhard came into rehearsing room for an audition, just after one song I was sure, he’s the one.

*LAZY SCHULZ (Guitars)

I also knew him a long, long time before he actually joined the band; he really liked our stuff since the very first album and came to see us in Germany a couple of times. That’s where we first met. Then he did the support of one of our shows with his own band “The Eminence”, that’s where Fork and me realized if we ever need a 2nd guitar player he could be the one. About a year later or so he did a fantastic remix of an old track called “Train”, that’s when we decided to get him into the band. Playing with 2 guitars is so much more fun. It took us a while to meet the right guy who understands what “Whispers in the Shadow” guitars are all about, but he really does.

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

Whispers in the Shadow: Well very obvious choice, it must be The Wild Boys. Simply because it was the very first tune I ever heard from them. I still remember watching the video on telly when I was little on some Austrian chart show. I must confess I love these bombastic over the top 80’s videos.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about Whispers in the Shadow recorded cover version of the Leonard Cohen classic; “First We Take Manhattan ” with Miss Vic Alsemo on guest vocals?

Whispers in the Shadow: We don’t do a lot of cover versions; I rather tend to use the energy it takes to make a good one into one of our own songs. But “First we take Manhattan ” really works, it is part of our live set and I guess it was time to do a studio version of it. I really liked the idea of using female vocals on this track so I just asked Vic to join in; and she did an amazing job. BTW you really should check out her music, the debut album “Trapped in a dream” is out for a while and really worth a listen. One of the main reasons we choose to do “Manhattan” was, it is not a Gothic or Wave sort of song, and a rather commercial tune really. It would be boring to cover songs from the same genre if you know what I mean. Cover songs which have the same background are too easy, too obvious.

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

Whispers in the Shadow:

Again this is a difficult question since I’m not too familiar with their whole back catalog. There’ve been a lot of good bands in the 80’s and they changed the face of music and fashion in many ways, I would say Duran Duran was one of them, and one of the best ones!

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

Whispers in the Shadow:

As for cover version I already said my point before but let me think. The Chauffeur, and transform that one into a fast Goth Rock tunes, which could be nice. I really like the lyrics of this one too. When I think about it, this is my favorite song of Duran Duran.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the music/sound of Whispers of the Shadow to new fans who have never heard your music before ?

Whispers in the Shadow: The Press often calls us “Goth Floyd” or “Post Gothic Rock” that sounds fine to me.

I would call it Goth Rock but I mean Goth back at the time when it was still a great and epic genre, long before it became a silly thing all about skulls and coffins and how you dress. There were some great bands in the late 80’s early 90’s before Grunge really destroyed everything with this nihilistic anger against everything glamorous ;)

Nothing against grunge, actually it was necessary, like Punk was in the 70’s!

But, what we are trying to do is to bring that forgotten melodic guitar driven and somehow psychedelic, epic sound, combined with modern production techniques back into Gothic Rock.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your Producer, John A. Rivers whom you all worked with on the fifth studio album “Into the Arms of Chaos” at Woodbine Street Recording Studios. (He also worked with bands such as The Chameleons, Clan of Xymox, Love and Rockets, Dead can Dance or Sopor Aeternus).

Whispers in the Shadow: I knew John from another band I worked with in the past (L’ame Immortelle). We recorded 2 albums with him and since that time I knew I really want to make a WHISPERS IN THE SHADOW LP

with him. I would never have thought of someone better to mix “Into the Arms of Chaos”. He sees the studio the same way as I do, as another instrument, and of course he has a lot of experience. I mean some of the bands he worked with are my favorites. It was a very successful combination and it was the right album to do with him, I’m still very happy with that record.

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?

Whispers in the Shadow: Hmm not really sure, I guess I would choose the drummer, because they are always the last people you think of, but in fact they hold it all together, so this way he won’t feel lonely anymore. Ha-ha..

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

Whispers in the Shadow:

Difficult question, there is a lot of music out there I really like. Not really sure, I guess it would be David Bowie.

Yeah, we should do a cover version of “Heroes” with him doing some backing vocal parts hahaha…No seriously, actually I do not know.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the inspiration behind your new track The Lost Souls?

Whispers in the Shadow:

The Lost Souls is one of my favorite tracks from or latest album THE ETERNAL ARCANE which came out in April. In the past we never really managed to get the depth and power we achieved with the more epic songs into the shorter, faster ones. This track stands out for me that way. I wanted to write a really basic guitar driven Gothic Rock tune I would love to listen to myself. The lyrics are about the ancient Sumerian culture, and the Anunnaki legend.

About the race of fallen angels who came down to earth to have intercourse with the human wife’s. It also deals with the question what happened with the offspring of those relations. Basic rock n’ roll lyrics I suppose: it has everything: Gods, Sex, and Drugs ;-)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Ashley tell us about your stint as the guitarist in the band L’ame immortelle & Veneno para las Hadas.

Whispers in the Shadow:

Well L’ame Immortelle asked me to help them out as a guitar player when they discovered that a rock band needs such a thing. I said yes and until today we did about 3 or 4 albums together. Being on tour with them is a completely different thing,, I am only concentrating on the guitar playing and don’t have to care about much else, good fun really. As far as the Mexican project “Veneno para las hadas” goes, I did one album with them, wrote songs and played guitar on that one, after that our way’s departed, I’m actually not really sure if the album came out after all. But there is an EP with stuff from those sessions. It is far more experimental stuff, far more electronic, it came at the right time in my life when I was more into electronic sounds, which I really enjoyed exploring.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you would like to share with the fans? Tour Dates/American Tour Dates?

Whispers of the Shadow:

Well touring the USA for a European band is not an easy thing to do; besides I’m aware that we are pretty unknown there at the moment, so there is not really a chance to see us somewhere in America in the near future, except someone invites us to come over and do some festivals shows or anything like that. But you’ll never know. Just spread the word and maybe one day we will make it over the great lake to rock the US .

To FOLLOW Whispers in the Shadow:

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/WHISPERS-IN-THE-SHADOW/71863231254

MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/whispersintheshadow

Official Website:

http://www.noizeart.com/



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, please visit us at www.ddttrh.info.

Interview with Derek Sumisu, Duran Duran - In Review

This is the "Duran Duran - In Review" Podcast interview. The podcast is the very first Duran Duran specific podcast and it aired its first episode on October 2, 2005.

the show started out as very one sided but it soon became much more multi-dimensional. the listeners of the show have become producers as well. many listeners have taken the time to write and suggest ideas or merely offer their support for the show.

The podcast can be downloaded for free on iTunes or you can go directly to http://figital.libsyn.com and get the episodes directly from there.

The show also has a Facebook page. Do a search for DuranDuranPodcast and you'll find it!!

The podcast has touched on a range of topics related to Duran Duran. Among them: Arcadia, An Andy Taylor Special, A Planet Earth Special (a critical look at the legendary first single), collector's corner, Duran Duran Springboard (a look at the musical influences of the band members), demos, rare recordings and much more.

Come and give it a listen. If you love Duran Duran you can't go wrong!!

Ladyaslan presents Derek Sumisu Podcast KING~

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

Derek Sumisu:

Of course they do! A career that spans over 30 years, stacks of hits all over the planet, millions of records sold and innovation after innovation in technology, music and video seems to be deserving of such an honour, doesn’t it?? But that being said, apparently some music industry honchos don’t agree with my point of view? A bit of a shock really, isn’t it? ;-)

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans how you decided to do Duran Duran-In Review Podcast ? When and where can it be heard, for those new to you and your podcast?

Derek Sumisu::

Well, it started out in October 2005. At that time I was living in Melbourne, Australia and working at a record label. Podcasting was just making its niche in the tech world and I thought it might be a good idea for our label (clananalogue.org) to engage in this new medium to see what it could offer us in terms of reaching out to our audience in a new way. The label manager, Nicholas Wilson, was (and is) a stickler for details and he didn’t want to just run hully gully into making a podcast, so he asked me if I could think of a way to prototype the idea so he could see it in action. My first thought was; ‘sure, I’ll just make a Duran Duran podcast. It’ll be easy.’ So within a day I had the first episode done and I had done all the little things to get it ready to make it public. That first episode was published on October 2nd, 2005. What caught me by surprise, and what drove me (and still does drive me) to continue was the immediate response from an audience. It was up literally less than 24 hours and I had already received emails from people who had heard it and who were keen to hear more.

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

Derek Sumisu:

I can’t actually just narrow it down to one and one! A band that has had such a long and distinguished career as Duran Duran is certainly worthy of some sort of list! So here’s today’s version, because like life itself, this list changes frequently!

Winter marches on

Khanada

Secret Oktober

New religion

My Antarctica

Planet earth

The chauffeur

Faster than light

Skin divers

Out of my mind

As for videos, same story. Here’s a few that I adore today:

The wild boys (long version)

Is there something I should know?

All she wants is

Girls on film (night version)

Do you believe in shame?

Plus I love going on YouTube and checking out the interviews and live clips from all around the world.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about some of the topics discussed on the DD show?

Derek Sumisu:

Wow, there’s been a really broad range of topics. On some episodes, I just bring the listeners up to date on the news and in others I could get more into how Duran Duran has affected me and my life. It’s really not defined or dictated by any rules or topic list. Many times in the history of the show a fan has written in with a question or idea for a topic and I love that. One of the things I said in the earliest ep's was that I wanted the whole thing to be more of a two way street. That the listeners could do more than just listen if they were motivated to do so. That’s worked out really great as I have a great audience who never lack in good ideas!! But to give people an idea, here’s a short list of things that have been covered. Arcadia, Japan (the country and the band), Spandau Ballet, (both seriously and in massive jest) how Planet earth was made, what JT thinks of nose hair and literally tons more…the shows are usually segment based, so really anything could be covered.

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?

Derek Sumisu:

There’s an incredible amount of contributions made by the band as a unit and by the members individually. It’s easy to pick a few key ones though…

I think being involved with band aid and live aid made the band really aware of charity and how a public figure can help raise awareness of something that people need to know about and confront. As well, the relationship they had with Princess Diana certainly informs them in this regard. I think these events totally open the door for them and their philanthropic interests. It’s a smart thing to be able to use your brand recognition to help raise money or awareness of a good cause. Duran has never been super preachy or in your face about such things, but they’ve always been very kind about donating time and effort to help with worthy causes all over the world.

In terms of technology, Duran has always been on the cutting edge. Nick was one of the first synthesists to embrace sampling technology in 1983 when he bought a FAIRLIGHT CMI. Roger was an early adopter of Simmons electronic drums in 1982. Duran Duran was the first major touring act to use a massive screen to enhance the visual aspect of the concert experience in 1983. Duran Duran won the first ever Grammy award for a long form video (video album) in 1984. Duran Duran was the first band to sell a download on the internet in 1997. Duran Duran was the first band to make an entire music video in flash in 2000. Duran Duran was the first band to implement an augmented reality setup into their live shows in the early 2000s. So that in itself is a more than 25 year legacy of immense achievements. Any artist working today would be proud to be able to name one such achievement in their entire career, let alone a list of really impressive feats like Duran Duran has!

Regarding fashion, I am just thankful that they helped me!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the podcast to new fans who have never heard your show before? Does the show have any sponsors?

Derek Sumisu:

It’s like a radio show but it encourages the listeners to be move active in directing how the show could go. As well, it’s a lot more multimedia than a simple radio show. There have been lots of videos and the format is totally open, so there are really not any limitations to where it could go. As well, I would venture to say that no episode of the show has been the same as any other.

The show is sponsor free! I feel this is the best way to be, since I am beholden to no one except myself in terms of all the decisions made concerning the show.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us a little about yourself ….what made you a loyal Duran Duran fan? Why did you start the podcast?

Derek Sumisu:

I grew up in Toronto, Canada. I’ve lived in Paris, Osaka and Melbourne in the past 10 years. I have a son called Nicholas who will turn 4 next week. I studied music at college and have worked in the music industry in one way or another since I was 16 years old. I found Duran Duran at a time when I was a rudderless 13 year old teenage dope. Still being dressed by his mum. One day in 1982 I heard HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF on the radio and I was sold. Something about the sequencer cried out to me. I wasn’t really interested in what most of the other kids liked and I was happy to find my thing and not really too concerned with conformity. In the months after that I gradually got more into it and found out that this band had a lot more to offer me that just some songs. They had style and cool tastes and good clothes. I was reborn! A youngster who chose his own clothes, liked Chic, Roxy Music and Bowie and coloured his hair. The thing that really made me love them was their drive and motivation. They knew exactly what they wanted to achieve and they achieved it. They let nothing or no one stand in the way of their collective dreams and they went for them as hard as they could. Even in the face of great adversity, they never let up and never gave in.

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? Have you ever met any of the members of Duran Duran? If so what is your fondest memory?

Derek Sumisu:

I would always say Nick is my favourite and I never seem to get long enough when I see him to get into anything substantial in terms of a good chat. But I suppose that applies to all of them. Given the time and opportunity, I guess art, cinema, books and culture are always good topics. You know, the usual stuff you’d expect to be chatting with Nick Rhodes about. LOL. I’ve been really lucky. I’ve met them quite a lot. The first time was in 1988 on the BIG THING club caravan tour in Toronto and that stands out as a great memory for me. But every time I run into them, something great always happens. So I am just thankful that I get any time with them at all. I know how busy I am in my own life, so I couldn’t really imagine how busy the guys must be. When people ask about my relationship with them, I always compare it to the older cousins you see once every year or two for about 20 minutes at the family picnic. You like each other and wish you could see each other more, but the realities of life mean that you got to make the best of your 20 minutes every couple of years.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Since you are a fan (particularly ) of Nick Rhodes ( hope it’s safe to assume ) what is your take on the new song Nick collaborated on with Mark Ronson on his 3rd studio album titled Record Collection and yes the song I am referring to is “Sound of Plastic" ( Ladyaslan’s FAVE )

Derek Sumisu

Due to my having a background in dj’ing and music production, I’ve actually been a fan of Mark Ronson going back to his first record; HERE COMES THE FUZZ and when he started getting involved with Duran Duran, I was really happy. Mark’s an amazing producer and a really cool guy. He’s as big a Duran fan as any of us and I think that his promotion of them and the new album is really amazing. I absolutely adore RECORD COLLECTION and I’ve posted on Facebook a couple of times screaming my adoration of this record from the rooftops. I actually just got a copy of the SOUND OF PLASTIC limited edition 12 inch via piccadillyrecords.com where it was sold as a very limited edition to tie in with Mark’s UK record shop tour. It kicks ass!! I would also note that Ronson is going analog synth bonkers these days thanks to our Mr. Rhodes. As a lover and collector of analog synths myself, I whole heartedly encourage this sort of behaviour!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: In your bio it states that Nick Rhodes is your hero, what makes him your hero? ( I am rather partial to him as well *wink-wink*)

Derek Sumisu:

The essence of it is that he’s a goal oriented, self made go-getter who has pretty much achieved almost everything he has set out to do in his professional life. Plus he has great tastes that have informed and inspired me throughout my adult life. Plus he’s a really, really lovely person. I’ve never seen him ever have a cross word or bad attitude to a fan and that is the mark of a true and bona fide gentleman. I’m proud of the choice I’ve made and one of my fondest memories was telling Nick how much of an influence on me he’s been and how much I appreciate who he is and what’s he done for me and for millions of fans all over the world. You know, just getting the chance to tell him thanks. If it wasn’t for Nick, perhaps I’d be doing something far less inspiring that what I am now.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What are your plans for the future?

Derek Sumisu:

I want to continue to make the best Duran Duran – In review podcast I can make. I’d like to try and travel more and I plan to keep making/playing/producing music. I’d like to try and eat better as well!!

To FOLLOW Derek and his AWESOME DD Podcast:

MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/duranduranpodcast
Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/DuranDuranPodcast/18672053738iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/duran-duran-in-review/id81653096
Official Website:

http://figital.libsyn.com



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, visit us at www.ddttrh.info.

Google Search under Scarlet Soho and Duran Duran

What happens if you Google Search under 'Scarlet Soho and Duran Duran'...Besides seeing Ladyaslan's interview with them at the top of the list (http://ddrockhall.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-scarlet-soho.html), here's some other interesting things I found....

One person, in a comment on a music forum said...
"Scarlet Soho sounds alot like Duran Duran who I love. The Soho Dolls are in the same sort of area as Ladytron, Client and Adult. All of which are fabulous."

Source: http://www.iamxinternational.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=11443
You can sample some of their music at last.fm...you might check out the title of the song 'Skin Trade' on the album 'Divisions of Decency'. That sounds like the name of a Duran Duran song, doesn't it?
Source: http://www.last.fm/music/Scarlet+Soho/Divisions+Of+Decency
You can also sample their songs from the album 'Warpaint' on Amazon. The one review of the album, from a Michael Spall 'Spally' says this..."I love Scarlet Soho. Like early, edgy Pet Shop Boys material romancing with a Depeche Mode track. Elements of Adam & The Ants dancing theatrically with the lean pop rock stylings of A-Ha; whilst banging club music in the style of Blue Monday spars with moments of dark, Trent Reznor soundscapes. All the while, the faint glimmer of 80's metal permeates throughout and the distinctly deliberate nod towards Duran Duran infused pop brilliance also becomes apparent."
Source: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Warpaint-Scarlet-Soho/dp/B001SNXHL2
At cdbaby.com, Scarlet Soho is recommended if you like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and Faith No More.
Source: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ScarletSoho1

So...if you haven't listened to Scarlet Soho...take some time this week as we appreciate them at DDTTRH...Duran Duran and Scarlet Soho just go so well together!!!

Kirk on special research assignment,
Artist Appreciation Week for Scarlet Soho,
DDTTRH

Interview with Axxe

Ladyaslan presents....Axxe

# For their debut EP for Montreal house imprint Mile End Records, the provocatively entitled ‘Mainstream’, available on all major digital platforms, AXXE serve up an eclectic offering of remixes of their ‘double A-side’ Hard Candy b/w S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Night. The group’s release spotlights the talents of eight top local and international electronic music acts: Geneva’s well-known Worship (Grum, Bestrack); sleazy Stockholm italo-disco king Neon Workout (Girlfriend Records); Portugal’s enigmatic Cavaliers of Fun (Dragonette, The Teenagers, Nightwaves); Swedish flame-haired electro artist Zakolski (Tokyoh Records, Gluteus Maximus); Chicago house acolyte Meroz (Solid Bump Records); and labelmates the deep-jazzy-funky Dave Allison (Kinjo Music); disco sirens Blond:ish & Stephan Hoffman; and trio UCP: Upperground Control Project. AXXE are represented by Barcelona’s Heartbeats Management (Fear of Tigers, Clancy). Please contact info@heartbeats.es for more information.
#
Members
Douglas Chow [programming] + Stina Agustsdottir [vocals] /// Live AXXE: Andrew Ward aka DJ F.U.N.K. [decks, electro percussion] + Pamela Brottes [backing vocals] + Sylvie Riendeau [bass] + Emmanuel Lagrange Paquet [visuals] + Andrew Larbi [MC] + A.J. Kandy [branding]

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

AXXE: YES!!!!!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans how you came up with the name AXXE. Tell us about the AXXE duo and how you both met.

AXXE: AXXE is the name of a vintage synthesizer from the 70s. Plus people think we’re a heavy metal name with that name – nice to throw people off!

Douglas Chow (Programming )

Stina Agustsdottir (vocals )

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

AXXE: Fave song: Planet Earth, Fave video: Girls On Film

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

AXXE: One of the first bands to fuse punk rock with disco

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

AXXE: Save A Prayer – we’re actually sampling the first bar (synth arpeggios) for an AXXE song!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the music/sound of AXXE to fans who have never heard your music before ?

AXXE: It's 1980, you're wearing Armani and you're driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in your Mercedes-enz 450SL.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the Mile End Records EP launch party October 4 at Restaurant Atma, in Montreal.

AXXE: It was live performance to celebrate the upcoming launch of our EP in November on Mile End Records. We wanted to do it somewhere that was unique… Atma is one of Montreal’s most chic Indian restaurants. We turned into a disco.

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?

AXXE: Their influences… especially Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra. And Nick Rhodes’ eyeliner tips.

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

AXXE: Well if we could pick one group… it would be 10cc. I’m Not In Love is a big influence on us. We’re thinking of doing more ballads. Other than that, Olivia Newton-John… we love Xanadu!

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How did AXXE get involved with the soundtrack to the "making of" video for the next cover of fashion glossy Elle Québec!

AXXE: The director is a DJ at a local club (Plan B) and one day I convinced her to spin the Neon Workout remix of S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Night

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

AXXE: Buy our EP! And… why keep it real, when you can keep it pretend?

TO FOLLOW AXXE:
Website soundcloud.com/niceaxxe
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/AXXE/32051306552
http://www.myspace.com/niceaxxe#more



To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort and to sign our petition, visit us at www.ddttrh.info.

Interview with CCU

CCU - Clitherow and Collins, united. Which we have been for over twenty years. Together we formed Elysian, who became Sideways. We wrote brilliant songs back then. We never stopped, really; we kept on doing our own things separately for a few years. But you know, if there's something special there, people always come back. Three years ago we did some more stuff together. It was blinding, the music we wanted to hear on the radio but never did. We remembered that there's no greater thrill than to create something wonderful out of nothing. In that time we've recorded two albums, A Quiet War (2007) and Emotion (2009), with the third in progress right now. We've gotten ourselves back into the live arena, and we want to do more. 'Cos we're really good. Do we have expectations of recognition? Not really, but the belief is still there that our music deserves it. That's why we're here on myspace. You could do worse than to have a listen. And then to be our friend. Because we'd like that...

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

CCU: Ian Collins (vocals): Yeah, why not? I think there are lesser names in there ahead of them. And you're certainly doing your bit to get them in there! But with respect … y'know, Duran Duran mean an awful lot to an awful lot of people, and whether they're inducted or not, nothing will detract from that.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell the fans how you came up with the name CCU? Tell us about the band members and how you all met.

Ian: That's an easy one! It stands for Clitherow Collins United. We like to keep things simple! I met Colin over twenty years ago when he was in a band called Heathcliffs, who I loved. I was writing reviews for the local paper at the time. I remember thinking, there's a guitarist I'd love to write with, never thinking it'd actually happen.

Colin Clitherow (guitars): I had the same idea.

Ian: So we formed our first band together ... and all these years later, we're still creating!

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

Colin: Planet Earth.

Ian: The Reflex.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about the genesis of your third studio album you are working on now, what can the fans expect? When will it drop?

Ian: Well, it's called Fabric, and it's not far from completion now. We'll probably have it ready early next year. People can expect … more of the same, in the best possible way!

Colin: The direction is not an important thing to us. We just do what we do.

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?

Ian: Some great singles! They had that '80s zeitgeist … and they carried on … and all these years later, they're still creating too.

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

Colin: If we had to, Save A Prayer. To see what would happen.

Ian: But we don't do covers.

Colin: Actually we should do it. Why don't we just try and do it?

Ian: You heard it here first, and so did I.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: How would you describe the music/sound of CCU to new fans who have never heard your music before?

Ian: Um … dark soul.

Colin: It's about how we feel at the time and the sounds and colours we feel. I'm like a painter who can't paint. So I paint through my guitar. And this is my canvas.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Tell us about your backgrounds….you both are very competent and longstanding musicians, collectively spending over 20 yrs in the music business; give us a lil sample of all you have done. Tell us about the festivals you have played…I’ve heard you have played the same stage that Joy Division once stood on?? J

Ian: Yeah, we've played lots of gigs in our various incarnations … not so many as CCU. But we did play the Hope and Anchor in London a few times, where Joy Division did their first gig in the capital. We've only played local festivals, as I recall.

Colin: We've played loads of gigs but it's not about that. It's about now. It's about us still making the music we want people to hear. The reason we're still together is because we bring the best out of each other.

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?

Ian: I think Roger Taylor … I'd just want to talk about all aspects of his life … the quiet ones tend to hold most within. If Roger's not up for it, I'd have a chat with John … and find out how he copes with being so good-looking.

Colin: I like Andy Taylor. Reminds me of one of my heroes.

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

Ian: I'd choose Colin above anyone.

Colin: And vice versa.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: What was the inspiration behind your track Disintegrating?* LOVE it~

Ian: Oh, bless ya! It's odd, that one, because I just turned to Colin and said, we should write a single. Not usually the way we work! Inspiration-wise … I never sit and decide to write a lyric about a particular subject …

Colin: No, that's not the way it works. It's of the moment. It just created itself.

LadyaslanDDTTRH: Anything you would like to share with the fans? Tour Dates/American Tour Dates? Will your music be on iTunes?

Ian: I wish we had lots of exciting news but we don't … shall we make something up? No … our lives are plot-less. We wait and see what comes our way.

Colin: iTunes? Not at the moment. It's all there on MySpace.

Ian: We don't really think about selling. We're no good at selling ourselves … as you may have realised! We just want to get heard.

TO FOLLOW CCU:
MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/CCUtd
To learn more about Duran Duran to the Rock Hall - Official Effort and to sign our petition, go to www.ddttrh.info.

Interview with 'Make the Rock Hall Weird!'

So, I am a huge Weird Al fan, but thats not how I found this campaign. I was searching under articles about the Rock Hall and was intrigued by someone wanting to make the Rock Hall 'Weird'. Little did I know that this was actually an organized
and amazing effort to promote Weird Al Yankovic's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I mean, why not, right?

I got a laugh too when I saw an invitation to supporters to send 'spatulas' to the Rock Hall with a card saying 'Induct Al'. I have seen UHF like a MILLION times...LOVE that movie. Then I thought...well what would we send...Wolves and Leapards with a sign around their neck to induct Duran Duran (reminiscent of course of the songs Hungry Like the Wolf and The Man Who Stole a Leapord)?

I really liked this tribute for Weird Al and this campaign (found on Make the Rock Hall Weird's website):
"Although Al has joked that his chances of getting in are about the same as Milli Vanili's, he is most certainly worthy of induction. He is the bestselling comedy artist in history, has the respect and admiration of many of the artists he's parodied, and with each new album he gets more and more popular (2006's Straight Outta Lynwood debuted in Billboard at #10, a record debut and chart position for him). He is also a superstar internationally, conquering countries such as Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Al has also done something that nobody else has been able to do successfully, rebel within rock and roll. Sure it's easy to bad-mouth another artist in a song, but Weird Al is able to parody the genre's own cliches and themes and deflate the pomposity of the genre in general, artists aside. If the spirit of rock and roll is
to rebel, then Weird Al is a shining example.

Al is rock and roll's class clown, and it's high time that the genre recognizes that."

Made up of Weird Al fans around the world. Also founded in Cleveland Ohio, I had the pleasure to talk with Greg Method, the founding member of the 'Make the Rock Hall Weird' Campaign....started July 9, 2004.

Kirk, DDTTRH: So Greg--I didn't know you were in Cleveland--we must get together sometime--I live on the East side! My first question is...do you think Duran Duran belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and why?

Greg, MTRHW: That is pretty funny that these two campaigns are in Cleveland, and they both have to do with arguably the city's biggest tourist spot. That can't be a coincidence...is it something in the water? Or maybe are we just so tired of hearing about this place that we feel the one thing that will make it tolerable would be if our favorite artists are inducted?

I think Duran Duran is definitely deserving of a Rock Hall induction. They came into prominence at a very unique time in popular music. By the early 1980s rock and roll was quickly evolving past the quirky new wave style that had defined the end of the '70s; it was maturing. Duran Duran is a perfect representation of this era of rock and roll, this--for lack of a better description--mature new wave sound.

And it doesn't hurt that Simon Le Bon looked like a young Malcolm McDowell. That alone should qualify them.

Kirk, DDTTRH: For fans of Duran Duran, please explain to us the connection between Duran Duran and Weird Al Yankovic.

Greg, MTRHW: Well, Weird Al seemed to have an affinity to "The Reflex." As you know, that was their first #1 hit in the U.S., so maybe the success just came at the right time for the group to show up on Al's proverbial radar. He added the song's chorus to his 1985 polka medley "Hooked on Polkas." Even before that, he poked fun at the video during one of his "Al-TV" specials, presenting it with the award for "Best Use of a Tidal Wave in Live Concert Footage."

The key thing to remember is that when Al parodies songs or adapts them into polkas, he's doing so with the full permission of the artists or the songwriters. So, Duran Duran should definitely be applauded for being good sports about their work.

Kirk, DDTTRH: Please tell us how you got the idea for this effort...how did it start...how is it organized today?

Greg, MTRHW: I think Weird Al fans in general are always seeking honors for him. A lot of it has to do with the fact that Al does genuinely deserve these accolades; he has become a greatly underrated artist. I think a lot of that drives fans into doing these kinds of efforts--we want Al to get these honors and awards simply because he is so underrated. For the longest time very few serious music outlets would regard Weird Al as any sort of "legitimate" artist. Thankfully that has changed greatly, and Al actually has some devoted fans at places like "Billboard" and NPR Music. I think Al is finally getting some of his due credit at long last, but still, it's not enough.

I had been wanting to launch some sort of campaign for the Rock Hall for a long time. This was around 2003, and some friends online had already launched a drive to raise funds to get Al a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so the fan base as a whole was starting to aim high for things to pursue. A few people were looking in my direction to do something Rock Hall-related, probably because of the success my site had with the campaign to get "UHF" on DVD. I already had some ideas at that point, so I was more than happy to pick up the ball and run with it.

The one thing I wanted to insist upon was that this be done right. Every Rock Hall campaign I had seen online at that point were little more than an online petition or telling people to write to the Rock Hall museum itself--you know, just these passive, rather lazy efforts, done with very little research or accuracy behind them. I mean, the museum has nothing to do with the induction process; it never did. It would be like writing to Walt Disney World to ask why "Song of the South" hasn't been released on DVD. People were going to laugh at our suggestion that Weird Al be inducted, so this needed to be done correctly. Looking silly is one thing, but looking silly and unprepared AND unprofessional is just a disaster waiting to happen.

A lot of the organization is done online with volunteers across the country. There's a great deal of trust involved, of course, but it's become a fantastic way to coordinate efforts, especially when we do things such as petitions. I can upload a PDF file and a second later a fan in Canada or Australia is making copies to pass around. It's definitely made the campaign all-inclusive, allowing fans everywhere to participate.

Kirk, DDTTRH: I've read that you've already completed your petition goal for 10,000 signatures. What drove the successful completion of this goal...and any word from the Rock Hall about it?

Greg, MTRHW: The Rock Hall Foundation has yet to officially acknowledge any of our efforts. They are fully aware that we're out there, and at this point they've yet to send us any kind of restraining order or anything--I've heard stories of others getting their mailings to the foundation returned to them unopened--so I guess that's something.

Meanwhile, we were put on the Rock Hall museum's Christmas card list one year, and museum president Terry Stewart has been kind and respectful to us the rare times we had contacted him about this or that, so interpret that however you'd like.

I do think that fan efforts are wearing the nominating committee down a bit. Recently Kiss had been nominated for the first time ever after intense fan support, and Alice Cooper will soon be inducted after his first ever nomination. These things can't just be happening randomly. I do believe the foundation and the nominating committee are finally considering public opinion.

Kirk, DDTTRH: What has been your biggest obstacle in promoting Weird Al's induction to the Rock Hall of Fame?

Greg, MTRHW: I think the biggest obstacle is obvious in that it's been trying to get people, whether it's the press or possible participants, to take the idea seriously. Either someone will think that we're pulling their leg or simply that we're wasting our time because it's Weird Al--it can be tough. As you mentioned, we did this petition a couple of years ago...I had attempted to contact a number of artists that Al had parodied about signing on. Some managers simply refused to pass our request along, with one singer's rep saying something to the effect of, "We don't want them to sign it because we don't want it to hurt their chances of getting in themselves." I'm not kidding, I literally had to stalk a couple of artists after shows they were doing in town to get them to sign on only because they were otherwise impossible to get a hold of. I'd be like, "Um, excuse me, Mr. Blunt, but could you please do this thing for us? Oh, and, um, great show in there, yeah!"

But that lack of understanding or taking us seriously is just something I have to be ready for. I was doing a TV interview locally and before we started taping one of the hosts made a crack about the campaign, saying, "Give me half of the money you're going to spend on this and I'll tell you 'no' right now." Hardy-frickin'-har, you know? And then I have to bounce onto the stage and pretend that I'm having a great time with this guy that just tried to cut me down. But, you know, at least the message is out there. Whenever we send out a press release before a concert or something, I always fully expect to see it buried in some "Crazy People in the News" section, if anything at all. But I'm always amazed and grateful when a news outlet actually treats us with a little kindness. It tells me that there are a lot of Al fans out there; they're just in hiding.

Kirk, DDTTRH: What has been your biggest success (and/or amazing experience)?

Greg, MTRHW: I like to think the big petition drive was the campaign's biggest success in terms of visibility and legitimizing the idea. I mean, we had volunteers at a large percentage of stops on an international concert tour--we even had people camped out at a TV taping Al was doing in Australia--so before each concert we would alert the press of our presence and get a media mention or two. The campaign took on a very grassroots feel that way, virtually going city to city like that.

There was a show in Youngstown I was personally bringing the petition to, and I wanted to get us squared away with the venue first, mostly because I didn't know what the layout was like and I didn't want us to have to stand on the other side of a freeway or something. It was this rather large arena venue, a slightly smaller version of Gund Arena here at home, and every aspect of the operations there were either sponsored by a company or were being handled elsewhere--so I really didn't think I was going to get through to any living flesh-and-blood person that had any authority. I was expecting, "You'll have to clear it with Clear Channel and Ticketmaster and Don's Chevrolet and etc." But amazingly, everyone at this venue was not only on board but they also handled our press coverage for us for that show! That morning I did a call-in interview with whatever station was sponsoring the concert and then I drove down to Youngstown, and I was expecting mostly just the die-hard fans to come sign and little else. But there were people waiting in line for me and the radio station had a remote truck outside talking about us and people were asking me to pose for pictures and it was just insane. The fact that we were doing this there had become this mini-major news story.

Every once in a while a fan online somewhere will ask something to the effect of, "Well, he hasn't been inducted yet, so what's the point?" or whatever, and it's a fair question. But you know, I see things like the turnout in Youngstown or hear about some of the success the volunteers have had elsewhere and I can't just say, "Yeah, it's going nowhere. To heck with it." The message is getting out there, and the least I can do is be dedicated enough to see it through to the end.

But to me, the biggest success has just been that the idea is resonating with fans and the public in general. It's become a legitimate question as to why he has not even been nominated yet. The fact that Al has been snubbed for so long has sorta become a part of the press boilerplate whenever Al's doing an interview. It was never my intention for the issue to intrude on whatever Al is trying to promote or talk about, of course, but it's a good feeling that this campaign has turned the concept from "wouldn't this outside chance thing be cool" to "widely agreed robbed honor." Or maybe all these reporters are just lazy and are reading Wikipedia for their research, I don't know.

Kirk, DDTTRH: I also read that you are behind other Weird Al themed projects, like The "Weird Al" Yankovic Songography and the fan site All Things Yankovic. Tell us about these!

Greg, MTRHW: The Songography just grew from me having raging OCD. I had always been a fan one way or another, but I got into the collecting, etc. rather late in the game, around 1994. I knew there was a lot of unreleased songs and rarities out there, and I just needed something to have as a reference. It's just something I tend to do only because I'm always terrified of forgetting something or, worse, blowing time and money accidentally getting the same thing twice. So it just started off as a simple checklist and then grew into this complete worldwide discography, but really it was just meant to be a catalog so that I knew I wasn't missing something. Santayana once said that a fanatic is someone who redoubles his efforts when he has forgotten his original goal, although he probably should have added "but it doesn't help if you need to list everything you own, either."

All Things Yankovic in a way grew from that. Like with collecting, I sort of got into the web site thing late in the game as well. It seemed as if everyone and their brother had a web page up already, and here I was on AOL which had just started offering, like, maybe a byte of web space per member or something ridiculous. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do with a site just yet--I'm not really a photographer by any means, so I didn't have these umpteen portfolios of concert pics that everyone else had. The web site really just started out as a hub for my other Al-related things...this link goes to the Songography, this one goes to TV listings I had compiled, etc. Things didn't really gel, for me anyway, until I started doing the "This Day in Weird Al History" entries. I sort of unofficially decided to make the site about research and information. I knew I could do that well: You want to know what this one joke meant? Well, that's right here. Nobody else knows the date this one '80s album was released? Well, that's right here. And then after a short while I turned the focus to the causes; really, just things I wanted to see done and was hoping other fans felt the same way. That's where things like the letter-writing drive to get "UHF" on DVD came from, and then the one for "The Weird Al Show." Make the Rock Hall "Weird" is in essence just the ultimate example of that. "Here's something I'd like to see happen, so, um, does anyone else feel the same way?"

Kirk, DDTTRH: At DDTTRH we've been trying to expand our video presence...we first released an official Youtube video (with some stats research comparing Duran Duran and other inductees) and we have one fan-made one (which was based of a Duran Duran tribute video the fan had made). I read that you are actually doing a movie to chronicle and promote your effort. How is this going?

Greg, MTRHW: The movie, "Yankoheit 27," has been done since around Labor Day. Al, his drummer Bermuda, and a very special volunteer were the first ones to receive copies--and they were burned onto discs for them literally while I had people waiting in the car for me to go. It's really a one-hour, forty-five minute lecture about why Al should be inducted.

Performing and filmmaking have always been my passions, and I wanted to do something truly unique for this campaign. And really, we had done so much already--petitions, art contests, letters, postcards, spatulas--that there was very little else to do before we started lapping ourselves. I wanted to do something that showed that we were serious about this, that the fans were serious Al, and that Al should be regarded as a true legitimate rock star, content aside.

Of course I'm biased, but I like to think it turned out well. I really didn't want it to be this dry ordeal where people are merely talking into a camera and nothing else. We added a couple of humorous sequences, mostly quick parodies of actual famous documentaries, so there's a "Super Size Me" skit, a Ken Burns joke, me dressed as Michael Moore, etc. This way it sort of binds everything together: this is a documentary about "Weird Al" Yankovic, so why can't we have fun with the documentary genre?

As far as when it will be released formally, that I couldn't say. This is at the moment an entirely independent production. I've been submitting it to various film festivals across the country, and that's all coming out my back pocket. My fingers are crossed that we'll get an actual distribution deal for it. Again, it all goes back to getting the message out there the best way possible.

Kirk, DDTTRH: So, I love the movie UHF...seen it a million times (call me weird). I read about what you started to do in 2010 with sending spatulas to the Rock Hall...what a great idea! How is that going? Any funny stories about that? What other fun things are you doing to promote your effort? (Please also tell your favorite scene from UHF...I can't decide between when 'Stanley Spudowski was first discovered' or the 'Wheel of Fish' episode...lol!)

Greg, MTRHW: My favorite scene from "UHF," huh? I suppose I would have to go with the entire Rambo sequence toward the end. You get a nice mix of gags throughout: a Monty Python homage, some cartoon-like gags, and just a very well done spoof of the action genre in general.

I wish I could say the spatula project was a rousing success. I think maybe a handful of people sent one, if that. I was hoping it would have spurred some creativity, something everyone could really have some fun with. But I think ultimately everyone was just a little burnt out by then. Everyone spent two years circulating a petition around, and then additional years sending things like postcards and letters and whatnot. I think the fan base was just exhausted at that point. I can't blame anyone for that, but still, a campaign project is only going to be successful based on how many people participate.

Kirk, DDTTRH: This is something we hear about sometimes (and I'm sure you do too)...the Rock Hall haters. What would you say to those who dislike the Rock Hall so much that they are unwilling to support your effort?

Greg, MTRHW: I can certainly respect that attitude, but I would like to think--if we're talking about an actual Al fan, that is--that someone would want to show their support not because it's the Rock Hall but because it's Al. I mean, there's been an effort for a while now to get Al on "Saturday Night Live." Now, I personally hate "Saturday Night Live." I think it hasn't been anything close to entertaining for about fifteen years now, but I would most certainly want Al to get booked on it. It's still an important achievement for an entertainer.

The Rock Hall will always have its share of detractors. Some of the criticism is very valid--the story behind how it's funded is enough to make one puke in their soup--but a lot of it is sour grapes, too. It's never going to be a perfectly run organization. The nomination process is never going to be pure and fair and make sense. The real accomplishment in any of these kinds of campaigns is not to miraculously make the Rock Hall see the error of its ways and change how it does things. Instead the real trick is to, seeing the process and knowing exactly how depressingly subjective it is, nevertheless punch a hole through it and get your artist through. There is at least one web site out there that tries to mathematically predict inductees, as if there's some formula to it. There isn't. The nominating committee is made up of people, people making arbitrary decisions. It's like what Bill Paxton said in that horrible movie "Twister," "You can't explain it! You can't predict it!" There is no Rock Hall Konami code to crack. It all just boils down to persistence and making your voice heard and making your case crystal clear.

Kirk, DDTTRH: If there was a Duran Duran song (newer or older) that you think would be good parody material for Weird Al, which song would it be?

Greg, MTRHW: Gosh, well, it would have to be one of the BIG hits, especially if we're talking about if Al was to do a parody now in 2011. Something like "Rio" or "Hungry Like the Wolf" would be the obvious choices only because they have become so iconic. As far as what the subject matter for such a parody could be--well, Al does occasionally like to pair classic rock songs with retellings of blockbuster movies, so something like a "Hungry Like the Wolf" parody about, say, the "Twilight" franchise wouldn't be too far-fetched.

Kirk, DDTTRH: Greg...a pleasure to speak with you. I hope your campaign is successful! Any words of wisdom and advice you can give to DDTTRH
and its fans as we support Duran Duran and their induction?

Greg, MTRHW: Thanks, Kirk, it's been nice being able to talk shop with you. I guess if I have any words of wisdom it's to not be discouraged; don't ever let someone tell you that something CAN'T be done. You just have to persevere and keep at it.

Oh, and contrary to belief, it is in fact quite painful to dance into the fire. You may end up with third degree burns on your feet. It is not recommended, nor is actually watching the movie "A View to a Kill," for that matter, but that's not the band's fault.

To check out the 'Make the Rock Hall Weird Campaign' go to:
http://www.allthingsyank.com/rockhall/

For more information on Duran Duran to the Rock Hall (DDTTRH) and to sign our petition, go to www.ddttrh.info.

DDTTRH on recent Duran Duran comments about the Rock Hall

Duran Duran's music has an 'edge', which is what makes it so special to so many of us...DDTTRH now has an 'edge' which is inviting the Rock Hall to change its ways. What better way to conduct an effort, than to emulate the idealogy of the band it seeks to honor. Read on!

In case you didn't know, Kirk (DDTTRH) gave Duran Duran a question during one of their recent web chats:

WebChat Interview, 1/25/10, Kirk's question at around 7:41
Heart, Click this link to access it: http://www.heart.co.uk/music/duran-duran-live-webchat/

Here is the script of that question and Duran Duran's answer:

"Simon: It's a long one, that can be your bit.

Roger: Kirk this is from...I know the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is political and one would question their choice of artists in many cases. However, there are amazing bands that have been inducted like U2, Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson...that's not a band...'

Simon: Hmmm...

Roger: Madonna and REM, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for example. I'm reading this very badly (Roger laughs).

Simon: No, I like it, its quite Shakespearean actually.

Roger: In my mind, Duran Duran is legendary and many Duranies feel the same. If the Rock Hall called you and said they wanted to induct you, what would you say?

Simon: Ummm...I have to say personally I have a bit of a problem with it, I find its that whole kind of respectability...'inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'...I find it all personally a little bit pompous...the idea of having to put on a black tie rock and roll event is just...seems all wrong to me.

Roger: I would agree, its not something that particularly feels important to us at this moment...like something we 'must have' you know.

Simon: Its funny how things like this can come along...people can...they impose themselves on...the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has imposed itself on the industry...and say 'Right! We are setting ourselves up as this body who decide who deserves to be in this Hall of Fame and who doesn't.' And I think its completely bogus. I really do. Especially when you've got you know when you've sold as many records as we have or had as many people come to concerts as the bands who are not mentioned on this list.

Roger: I'd agree...totally agree with that."

Here is DDTTRH's reply to this...

Kirk: Well, I'm so glad I was complimented on my 'Shakespearean' English. I knew I should have checked this question before I sent it. I really did not expect it to be read (so happy it was!). I do agree with Simon that the way the Rock Hall chooses musicians to be inducted is sometimes bogus. And, the black tie events are a bit pompous. And I also agree with Roger that being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is not something they 'need to have'. Duran Duran is legendary as it is and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will not change that at all.

Listening to Duran Duran's comments and pondering them as I have over the last week or so has really made me think about what this effort really is about.

Is it about just promoting their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? No, I don't think so.

Is it about building awareness of the band and energizing the Duranie community? Definitely YES.

Is it about getting bands and artists (thanks to Roger for pointing out to me the distinction...[:) to speak up about Duran Duran and how they've been inspired by them and how they think they are legendary? That would be another BIG THING YES.

That leads to the question then...why promote the Rock Hall? Well, where else on earth are artists and rock history celebrated in such a way? Here is the Rock Hall's mission statement:

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs."

Is it really an honor to be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Many do think so. In a heartfelt speech in NY to induct his friend, John Lennon, Paul McCartney says: "Thank you. Thank you, New York. Thank you. It's a privilege for me to be able to do this tonight, and come here... So now, years on, here we are - all these people - here we are, assembled to thank you for everything that you mean to all of us. This letter comes with love from your friend Paul. John Lennon, you made it. Tonight you're in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. God bless you. Yoko and Sean." Source: http://rockhall.com/inductees/john-lennon/transcript/paul-mccartney-inducts-john-le/

If being inducted was not an honor, imperfect organization as it is, I for one am not sure Paul would have said this. I agree that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is not perfect and perhaps the way it works and inducts artists may be controversial, it still though is a unique and special place for bands and artists to be honored. If you haven't been, you should go. Its displays are great and it treats each artist it shows with respect and the dignity they deserve. At DDTTRH we strive to get Duran Duran noticed in the music community and in history, and in our minds, this is a good way to do it.

In fact, given what Duran Duran has said about the Rock Hall...

At DDTTRH, we officially invite the Rock Hall to return to its former glories, to really examine its way of inducting artists, and become even more meaningful than it is today. If you are going to impose yourselves on the industry, keep it real! You are for the world, not just the US...and you could use some 'New Romantic' flavoring.


Ladyaslan:
I think you had a good retort there Kirk.....but most ppl, bands, and artists would have said or have said similar salutations about the Rock Hall 'cause (referring to Sir Paul point you made...) well...they ( the bands / artists ) are a bit on the spot and usually would say some sugar sweet goodness about the Rock Hall....but then you had The Sex Pistols that told them where to go and how to get there and basically piss off...(that had radio play from terrestial to satellite radio and from the US to Russia) that was when the majority started to call into radio stations and e-mail ppl in a broadcasting arena to say 'yea the Rock Hall is pompous'.

I think Kirk is on to something with getting NEW flavours into the Rock Hall whether it be "New Romantic" or more Punk and even Goth and Industrial bands ( Siouxise and the Banshees-Goth....Skinny Puppy or Nitzer Ebb-Industrial, The Damned The Cramps-Punk, Human League, Roxy Music New Wave and lets not forget The Cure, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos and even Sinead O'Connor to drop some names ) look at KISS and Sonny & Cher-they have had the screw from day one...why they rocked the charts and arenas too and sold LOTS of merchandise and even lent their name to philanthropist efforts and they have yet to even get an invite as well.

The Rock Hall already has a shit load of "Rock" "Country" and "R&B" (we can throw old school hip hop and rap in that category cause they is how the Rock Hall has labeled past inductees LL Cool J ex)

So I think on top of "promoting" DD and their new album and past work we should also educate the Rock Hall that the 80's and bands and artists from the 80's were NOT cotton candy acts and they actually defined an era and gave the world lots of fun songs regardless if said band had 10 #1's or just one MOST of those songs are still faves among ppl going out to parties and bars and house bands....kids that were not even born in the 80's LOVE 80's music. There was something innocent yet a little naughty about the songs we love-look at Frankie Goes to Hollywood "Relax" LOL LOL we all know what that song is about now!!! But as kids ( if you're old enough lol ) we just loved the beat and the melody and it was NOT detrimental to our innocent little ears, we danced all night or roller skated to it. Unlike the music of the past 10-15 yrs where lil girls are dancing like 3 cent hookers on a pole and all the F*bombs and 'nigga' this and that in music of today......trust me I cuss like a sailor lol but even I am like DAMN what happened to music?!?!

Duran Duran, the 80's and ALL the other bands should get their moment where they are told by fans and record companies, and the quasi-like Jackasses at the Rock Hall that DAMN you did a bang up job in your prime and have grown and expanded your music with integrity and an ever growing talent.......

We should have our ppls and Duranies write up a letter or we provide a template and they can download it where we state the obvious.....something to the effect there are a great deal of genres out there and they are discriminating against bands that 'they' don't like or understand and ignoring the fact that there are still fans out there that support and drive miles upon miles to see these greats from the 80's.

There are more flavours of ice cream out there than just vanilla and chocolate....hence the Rock Hall needs some major change in attitude and perhaps a lil re-education in what music really is and what it means to the old and new fans. The world has enough Beyonce's and GreenDay's its time to say thanks to the bands and artists that paved the way....look how many bands have either 'borrowed or stole riffs and melodies from the 80's...did they ever say thank you?

Puff Daddy re-did and ripped a Led Zeppelin tune and Bone Thugs and Harmony jacked a Police/Sting song and yep ruined it as well....where was the thanks to the bands / thanks to the 80's era for providing them with the beat and melodies they "took or borrowed".....the Rock Hall needs a can of whoop ass opened and a new set of ppl either making decisions or at best pointing them in a new direction.....just saying lol. Well that is my 2 cents....discuss ( lol like coffee talk )

Kandice:
Wow to both of you... What more is there to really say?!? I think both you and Anitra hit "the nail on the head".

I def. like what Anitra said about using a template and having our ppls send in letters etc.. It is time for a Rock Hall change, how cool would it be for us to be behind it! :D

Dearest Anitra - Don't forget Puff Daddy aka Diddy and B.I.G. ripped our beloved DD as well! No-No-Notorious!!! LOL :D

Xoxo

Jason:
Puff talked shit about DD!!?? What did that no talent say?

Christian:
It almost seems like they don't want to be in or couldn't care less. I think it has all been covered by the previous emails.