April 2010

Volume 5

Lia m Kyle
S ulliva n

Ben Mollin
Also featuring…
Tim King of Soil * I Decline * Artist Joe Martine * Murder FM
Style Columnist Josi Hannon Madera * Hemoptysis
Susan Randich * Same Old 10 with Firebug & More!
 From the desk of… Table Of Contents
Pages 4
Tim King of Soil by Lissy
Dear Readers,
Page 5
I Decline by Erica Buchancow
This is the first time we’ve ever put
out an issue one month after the The Drug War & Barack Obama by Mike Paus
How does Mike Paus feel about “hope and change” after one year of
previous one, I was very impressed with how the the Obama Presidency?
team rallied and got all their articles in on time so I Page 7
Artist Joe Martine by Cola
want to thank them first for being so wonderful and
Page 8
dedicated and then also you for reading. This last Style Columnist Josi Hannon Madera by Cola
issue has been very successful and we’re excited Inclination’s new style columnist!
with how things are growing. Page 10
You’re Breaking Up…What? by Brian Ryder
I’m sure you’ll love this one too, our main feature Page 11
is the runner up from Bravo’s hit show “Shear Raindrops Keep Falling… by Cola
Genius” Ben Mollin, also the bass player for the Pages 12-15
Rock N’ Roll Shear Genius Ben Mollin by Cola and Lissy
band Wolcott. I also talked to Tim King from Soil, The proprietor of Bang Bang Beauty & Boutique talks about life after
there’s an interview with comedic talent, Liam Kyle reality television exposure.

Sullivan and we have a new columnist covering all Page 16

Whore-O-Scopes by Cola
things fashionista, clothes designer and writer Josi Page 17
Madera. Also the usual goodies you have come to Power To The People by Wicked D
expect from us. Page 18
Gaming With Grampire and RT by De
Next month’s issue is already in the planning Page 19
stages, we’re just so busy!! If you’re interested Retro/Active by Brian Ryder
in advertising with us or sending us submissions, Pages 20-21
Liam Kyle Sullivan Interview by Dr. Robert
check out the website for information or email me Page 22
Lissy@inclinationonline.com. SSStyle by Josi Hannon Madera
Pages 23-25
Thank you again and hope you enjoy reading our Murder FM Interview by Sarah 13
offerings for the month of April. Pages 26-27
Hemoptysis Interview by Wicked D
Your Editor in Chief Pages 28-29
Lissy MacMillan Audio Files
Pages 30-31
Susan Randich Interview by Dr. Robert Binford
www.inclinationonline.com Page 32
Same Old 10 with Firebug by Lissy
www.myspace.com/inclinationwebzine
Page 33
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/ KLOVER FILM by Kristin Love Webster
INCLINATION/173128635781
Pages 35-36
inclinationzine@gmail.com Queenzilla by Dr. Robert
Lissy MacMillian Cola
Editor-in-Chief and Founder Associate Creative Director

Movie: Layer Cake Movie: Gentlemen Broncos

Book: Weaveworld by Clive Barker Book: Are You There Vodka, It’s Me
Albums: Woods Of Ypres - Woods IV Chelsea? by Chelsea Handler
Soil - Picture Perfect Albums: www.myspace.com/sunpenis
Place: Tribes Alehouse, Mokena Place: Bang Bang Beauty & Boutique

Sarah 13
Articles & Interviews
Brian Ryder Movie: Shutter Island
Book: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Graphical Wizardry & Editorial Associate
http://thefuryofpurerock.blogspot.com Albums: Sex Slaves - Wasted Angel
Movie: The Informant Murder FM - Anthem For The Used
Book: Reefer Madness by Eric Schlosser Place: Bonds 007, San Antonio
Albums: High On Fire - Snakes For The Divine
Kiss It Goodbye - Choke
Place: Whirlyball, Chicago
You have not lived until you have
Wicked D
Articles & Interviews
experienced the insanity
Movie: Ninja Assassin
Book: The Future Of Music - Manifesto
For The Digital Music Revolution
Albums: Overkill - Ironbound
Eluveitie - Everything Remains…
Grampire Place: Hibachi Grill, Baytown
Music & Game Reviews
Movie: Any Clint Eastwood, minus
Bridges Of Madison County
Book: Anything Deadpool Mike Paus
Albums: Overkill - Ironbound Ranting & Raving
Ihsahn - After Movie: American Beauty
Place: Crusting at my buddy Mike’s Book: Atlas Shrugged
with friends Albums: Pearl Jam - Vs.
Yeah, I’m not that exotic. Blue Man Group - Audio
Place: Elbo Room

Klover Dr. Robert Binford

Articles & Interviews
Film Corner
Movie: The Fourth Kind
Movie: An Education Book: Sounding The Inner Landscape
Book: In Her Own Sweet Time by Kay Gardner
by Rachel Lehmann-Haupt Albums: Tegan & Sara - Sainthood
Albums: Schuyler Fisk - The Good Stuff Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere
Goldfrapp - Head First Place: Bottom Lounge, Chicago
Place: Eatzi’s Italian Market, Chicago “L-O-V-E” the Falafel Burgers
S
Oil is one of Chicago’s musical success
stories. They originally formed back
in 1997 and after a few changes here
and there, they are still going strong today
and have just recently released their fifth
studio album signed to Bieler Bros. It took
them two years to write and record the
album. “We wanted to really get back to the
essence of what Soil is all about and take it
in the direction we had originally intended”
The album was recorded at Groovemaster
studios in Chicago and the legendary
Johnny K, who has been a mentor for the
band from almost their beginning, helped
with the production. They also had some
other help in the form of collaboration on a
couple of the tracks. “For the first time ever
we actually collaborated on some songs with
outside writers” Tim tells us, and his two
favorite songs “Surrounded” was co-written
by Brian Howe of Bad Company. “That song
has it all in my opinion.” The song “Wasted”
was co-written with John 5.
The album has very striking cover art, which
was done by Stephen Jensen of Chicago’s F3
studios. It’s inspired by a Norman Rockwell
painting and for Soil, the concept is “that
of change” Tim explains. “When you are
young you have hopes and dreams and most
people either don’t accomplish them or they
just don’t turn out the way you expected”
For Soil, while achieving their dreams of
playing music, touring and being on MTV
they feel this cover represents them “You
realize that this is a cut throat business
and it is about 23 hours of bullshit ‘till you
get that one hour on stage. It represents us
going back to simpler times and the ‘dream’
we had before we knew all the madness that
goes into making that happen” There are
two pictures; one of a young girl looking at
herself in the mirror, just like the Rockwell
painting, wishing that she were older. Then,
the other picture is that of the same girl 20
years later, looking in the mirror, crying,
wishing that her life was simple like it had
been when she was that little girl. “It was
originally going to be a split album, one
heavy side and one radio rock side.” A video
for their single “The Lesser Man” is in their
ing of
plans.
T i m K
Reaction to the album, while mostly
positive, has also had some older fans
comparing them to their older material
before they brought in A.J. Cavalier for
vocal duties in late 2005, “People are always
going to reference the singers, they are the
voice of the band. You can let it bother you
or you can just forge on” Tim believes the
music industry is a “day late and a dollar
short” when it comes to taking care of
(continued on Page 9) By Lissy MacMillan
 Disclaimer:
Due to a recent conflict, the
feature on the band I Decline
is no longer available.
We sincerely apologize for
any inconvenience to our
readers who may have been
anticipating this piece.
 The Drug War & Barack Obama:
Status Quo
A
s a libertarian, I found very little to
look forward to in a Barack Obama
presidency. One of those, an end
to the mindless War on Drugs,
came to my mind as I reflected on our 44th
President’s first year in office. So, how has the
man who promised us “Hope & Change” fared
in eliminating the modern farce that is drug
prohibition? In a word: terribly.
The President of the United States of America is
in a unique position to immediately eliminate
some of the great injustices of the Drug War.
Unlike legislation in Congress, which can
take months if not years to pass, or a getting
a favorable Supreme Court decision, which
can take the better part of decade to litigate, a
few strokes of the President’s pen, via pardons,
executive orders, and the veto, can go a long
way to right the Drug War’s many wrongs.
The Constitution grants the sole power of
pardons to the President, which he can grant
from the moment he’s inaugurated. There
are countless non-violent drug offenders
languishing in prison, most for the simple crime
of possessing an herb that grows naturally in all
50 states. And because of asinine mandatory
By Mike Paus
sentencing laws, it’s not uncommon for a
drug offense to carry more time then a garden
variety assault. A mass presidential pardoning
would go a long way to stopping over eager
law enforcement officials and equally zealous
district attorneys from pursuing non-violent
drug offenses, knowing they’ll be free once their
pardon is approved. Mr. Obama has been in
office over a year now. How many pardons has
he granted in that time? Zero. His next pardon
will be his first.
States are not waiting for the federal government
to take action to ending the War on Drugs.
Fourteen states have passed legislation allowing
for medicinal marijuana. While medical
marijuana is a far cry from full legalization, it’s
a step in the right direction. This marijuana is
grown, sold, and smoked entirely within state
lines, so as to not run afoul of the Constitution’s
commerce clause. The commerce clause is often
used to justify federal meddling in basically all
economic activity that crosses state lines, but
in this case it clearly doesn’t apply. That hasn’t
stopped this White House from blatantly
ignoring the Constitution’s 10th Amendment
(the one that states powers not given to the
federal government are reserved to the states
or the people) so, DEA raids started by the
Bush administration continue on these state’s
medical marijuana dispensaries on a regular
basis. These raids can be stopped with a simple
executive order. Yet Obama knowingly lets the
raids continue.
There are other things a President can do to stop
the drug war. He can veto legislation that funds
the DEA. It is unlikely two-thirds of both houses
of Congress would override him, so he could
effectively shut down one of the most sinister
agencies in the executive branch. He could also
address the nation and publicly call for an end
to the Drug War, one of the worst domestic
policies in this nation’s history. A policy that
started as a favor to the timber industry so they
wouldn’t have to compete against hemp, and has
now basically ballooned into a war pitting the
government against its own citizens. Yet despite
all the power available to him, Barack Obama
has done next to nothing to end the lunacy of
this war. I’m thoroughly disappointed in him.
Obama campaigned on change you can believe
in, but as far as the Drug War is concerned, he’s
nothing more then the status quo.
J
oe Martíne, (a former Chicago
and city of New York native)
by his own admittance, left the
states to, “follow his heart after
seeing a starry eyed German girl in
New York City”. Joe tells us that he
got his start as an artist by drawing
with his mother. He believes that
creativity is important to the heart
and is equivalent to the emotion of
love, and feels that both concepts
must be fully nurtured to develop.
“Hug your kids and don’t forget the
crayons”. Joe is inspired by family,
friends and those whom he meets
that makes him laugh. “Those are
the people that inspire me”, but Joe
has allowed Jim Henson to leave
a mark on his heart, and credits
him as inspiration for his work.
Joe loves “working with all the
pretty colors whether it be pencils,
paints, play or yarn. Give me those
colors!” Joe’s artistic process is
like that of a quick draw. “As soon
as I feel inspired I try to get it on
paper, whether it’s a drawing or
an idea, I have to get it on paper
before it escapes me.”
Joe’s art is not limited to what you can stare
at on his many canvases. Joe’s YouTube page
Joelovesyou.com is full of crazy and insightful
videos that are certain to entertain the best
of us. When I asked Joe what was with all the
videos, he responded, “Pure narcissism, just
kidding.” He told me that he enjoyed being silly
and sharing this with his friends in Germany
and back in the states. I presume that this is a
way for Joe to stay connected with all of those
whom he loves and is now separated from by
geography. Wondering where Joe came up with
the concept of Joelovesyou.com, I asked. He
detailed to me a Christmas experience where
he decided to put Joe loves you on coffee mugs
for family. He thought the idea of the double
meaning of Joe loves you was clever, and with
the help of his sister created a website entitled
such. “Because it’s true, I love you”, says Joe.
When I questioned Joe about his professional
plans as far as art goes he spoke of how he and
a friend are working together toward opening a
boutique in Germany. They have just moved into
the studio and have set up a silkscreen machine.
He calls it all in good fun, and can’t
wait to see what happens next. As for leisure,
Joe feels that he romanticizes everything, in
his everyday activity. He enjoys: Going on bike
rides, reveling in nonsense, rolling around with
his friends, making pom-poms, and laughing
until it hurts. --These are his words.
Joe Martine’s musical taste is as
eclectic as his personality. “I like
the music that one would expect
to hear in an enchanted forest or
perhaps in a futuristic bachelor
pad, I also like the music that gets
into my blood and makes my body
move.” As far as German hotspots,
Joe enjoys his 45 minute bicycle ride
through the ruins of Kaiserwerth.
He called it magical, explaining that
the adventure includes a ride along
the River Rhein amongst the trees
and open fields. Afterward he enjoys
picking up an apple pancake at the
local Biergarten. “Other spots I love
are those which look like they’re
straight out of the Brothers Grimm
fairy tales with a Hansel and Gretel
type look.” As far as American
adventure, Joe enjoys Brooklyn bike
rides along abandoned factories by
the river. He has very fond memories
of those old factories and exploring
them with his friends.
Is Joe planning on coming back to
the states at any point? “I am full of
grandiose ideas of owning property
in the states someday, where I can invite my
nearest and dearest friends to stay and play. I
have no immediate plans just yet. I often rival
in the thought of a big Playhouse, filled with
color, tons of pillows and lots of things to make
noise with.”
Where will Joe Martine be in 10 years? Well,
according to Joe he’ll be in the same position as
he is now, “Exploring this wonderful world with
dear friends, eating sandwiches on Sundays,
goofball leaning, riding bicycles and hopefully
holding onto my Guinness world record of
largest Pom-Pom. I will be attempting to break
the record this July in doodled to work. You can
follow me on my quest at the Facebook page,
Pom-Pom party.”
You can jump into the rabbit hole with artist
and American/German implant Joe Martine at
his website, www.joelovesyou.com or contact
him at joelovesyou@gmail.com.
Written by Cola
 Introducing Josi Hannon Madera,
the Inclination SSStyle Columnist
Cola: Josi darling, when you were a little girl,
what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
Josi: A performer, preferably one that wore
outrageous costumes like Elton John or Carol
Burnett.  Then I discovered computers in 1982
(when I was 11) as part of a math program for
smarty-pants kids.  As soon as I sat down at that
TI-99, it just felt right.  Coding came naturally
to me and I enjoyed feeling like I was part of
the future.
Cola: What specifically, in
your life, seduced you into
the creative realm of
fashion?
Josi: My mom
designed her own
clothing, and mine
and my sister’s.  In
addition she was a
fabulous Halloween
costume creator. 
For most of my life
she had some sort of
creative business.  First it
was macramé and she would
sell purses, belts and plant hangers
at the Sunday flea market held during
daylight hours at the (no longer in existence)
drive-in theatre in Bridgeview.
Cola: How did you educate yourself in the ways
of fashion?
Josi: I watched my mom and helped her out and
that’s how I learned my way around a sewing
machine.  She also altered almost every paper
pattern she used, and she was very skilled at
being thrifty *and* stylish.  I start with Barbie
clothing and learned the importance of a dart
after making my first wee little denim skirt
(which split open in the back because I did not
account for “teh booteh”). I learned crochet
from my great-grandmother and great-aunt but
I did not have the patience when I first learned.  television shows
20 years later, I picked it up again and I guess
how they moved their hands is so burned
into my own memory that I was making my
wedding dress in crochet after only a month
back “on the hook”. My background is math
and computer science and both of those inform
my design skills.  I am able to design over the
curves of a body with a lot of accuracy because
I studied calculus.  Drafting and design are
very technical, as well as creative, because well-
constructed clothing takes some work to create.  and many jewelry-making techniques from
If I don’t feel something I design could sell in
a 900 shop, then it gets reworked until that it
Interview by Cola
meets that standard.  When I crochet, I build it when surrounded by people making beautiful
up one stitch at a time, so there’s excuse for the stuff all the time.
fit to be less than perfect.
Cola: Speaking more in our neck of the woods,
Cola: Who would you say has been your what about Chicago faves?
greatest inspiration? Josi: Conte Di Savoia – best Italian deli, and
Josi: My Irish great-grandmother.  I still don’t best place for Italian specialty items, on Taylor
approach her skill level and flare… maybe in 20 St in Little Italy. Honky Tonk BBQ – OMG
more years. WTF BBQ!!!  Really, it’s that freakin’ good.  Go
on Friday nights for live Bluegrass and Dixie
Cola: As far as “In the Loop” goes, what was
banjo…in Pilsen on 18th St. Lao Sze Chuan –
the driving force behind you as you
the owner of this pan-Asian restaurant has a TV
worked on it, completed it and
show on Chinese language television … that’s
then got it published?
how good he is.  The place is nothing special
Josi: The driving force
to look at, but the food is super-affordable and
was my own love of
amazing.  I recommend the salt-and-pepper
good design – which
lamb, the garlic green beans, and every soup on
is why is did not get
the menu.
published in the end,
and I self-published my Cola: Who is your favorite artist?
patterns.  My publisher Josi: Prince.  I’d live in his closet to have the
took all my edgy urban privilege of designing his clothing…even now
photography and used a that he’s gone Jesus on us.  I wanna be as good
scrap-booking ink-printed at what I do as he is at what he does.
style of graphic design that
Cola: Great answer, I luvs me some Prince too.
made me weep, literally.  They
While we’re on it, what kind of music do you
also spelled my last name wrong on
enjoy?  What is currently in your player?
the cover and all the advertising copy.  I
Josi: I like good music.  I grew up with
negotiated to get my rights back, and I’ve self-
musicians in my family, so it’s mostly about
published those designs.   It’s worked out much
quality.  Right now, I’m listening to: Be Your
better for me in the long run and soured me
Own Pet, Television, Steely Dan, Pixies, Bjork,
permanently on large publishers.  They are out-
L7, MC-5.  I’m also eagerly awaiting the Jack
of-touch.
White-produced Dolly Parton album that’s
Cola: What is your favorite color, or favorite to been rumored.
use in design work?
Cola: That would be off the hook, Dolly is a fun
Josi: I don’t have a favorite color for design – it’s
lady, an entertainer
what the design requires. 
to the max. Are
*Personally*, I’m a cherry
you into the tele
red kinda’ gal, and when
(as my bratty
I design for myself I tend
Britty boss would
to choose that color and
say)? What
a concept that earns such
kinds of films or
a marvelous shade.  I love
it because good things
do you enjoy?
are cherry red – lips that
Josi: Right now
have been kissing, fast
I’m WAY into
cars, sexy shoes, and,
Dexter.  I’ve also
well… cherries.
started to watch,
Cola: Within the confines via Netflix, The
of the US, where is your favorite travel spot? Wire, Rescue Me & Breaking Bad.
Josi: Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawai’i.  It’s the most
Cola: Fashion is all over the media, we’ve all
magical place in the entire world and there is a
had the privilege of having a taste. I’m sure
thriving arts community.  I learned lei-making
our readers want to know this one question for
sure. Who is your favorite fashion designer?
people who grew their own flowers and dove
for their own coral.  It’s hard to do nothing (continued on Page 9)
The Dave Wallace Band
Can U Hear Me Now?
(Self Produced and Released)
by Lissy MacMillan
Dave Wallace, aka Dorian, the voice of Thorn
Fetish has a new band, very simply named
The Dave Wallace Band. If you’re expecting
growling vocals and strip poles you could
be disappointed, but not for long as this is
the kind of rock anyone can like, and upon
my first listen I was very surprised at what
I was hearing, anyone else who is a TF fan
knows what I’m saying. He decided to start
this because he has, “so many influences,
and they are all over the board. For me,
rock n roll was always first. Even though
Thorn Fetish is considered a metal band,
there’s still a rock core to it. But I needed
to do something a little different for myself.
Butch Walker is my favorite songwriter, but
that kind of influence rarely finds its way in
a band like Thorn Fetish, so I felt the need
to express myself in a different way and this
CD is the end result.” The band members
are all friends and family of Thorn Fetish
and they were originally just going to make
a CD, “I had no intention of starting a
band with it. However, when Ryan Heath
and I started working on the recording, it
just turned out so good that I couldn’t help
(continued from
Page 4)
illegal download issues. Their album True
Self wound up on Torrents 2 months before
it’s official release. “The industry is finally
starting to catch up to it” he says when I ask
what he thinks can be done to combat this
issue “They are doing now what they should
have done seven years ago.”
Soil’s biggest market is in Europe, they
play all the larger venues there and have
just toured over there with Shinedown this
past fall, he says of UK fans “They took to
us right away and never stopped” As for
their hometown, “Chicago fans rule!” Tim
exclaims, they love playing at The House of
Blues, and Tim says his favorite shows here
were “When we played the Allstate Arena
with Ozzy…then the Aragon Ballroom with
Disturbed” They leave for an 8-week tour
with Smile Empty Soul starting March 25th
and will be playing at Chicago’s Reggie’s on
May 2nd.
Make sure you check out their album,
“Picture Perfect”, I think it’s their best yet
and check out their tour dates for a show
near you.
www.myspace.com/soil
wanting to start a new band” If this is your
first experience of Dave, you’ll enjoy his
catchy lyrics along with toe tapping, ass
shaking melodies that should be a staple in
your iPod rotation. With songs like “Life
Ain’t Easy”,
and “Text
Me s s a g e”
you have
those songs
to relate to.
“I love when
someone
tells me
they were in
tears over a
song I wrote
because they related to it so well. That’s
the most powerful thing about music.
Just like my lyrics in “Text Message”:
“I’m ok to fade away if I remembered for that, regardless of which
can only leave my mark...
Like a shooting star that soon burns
out but first lights up the dark.
I’m ok if you forget my name; just keep
singing my song” This song also has a
country feel to it, although it was originally
written as a ballad. Autumn’s Call is also a
great ballad, and Party @ Docs House is a
fun song which makes you think of cook
outs in the summer with all your friends.
Josi Hannon Madera
Josi: Alexander McQueen.  He thrilled me
every time he put anything on a runway and it
was always my hope to one day be in his tent…
even as a cocktail waitress.
Cola: Let’s stray from work and talk about
play. What is your life at home like?  What do
you like to do for leisure and to unwind?
Josi: I work at home, so that really means I live at
work.  To relax, I walk around Chicago.  I live in
Pilsen, so in good weather a walk to the Shedd
Aquarium is only about 45 minutes, maybe an
hour if I window shop on the way. I’m a huge
foodie, so I cook a lot, too, and I’m a fiend for
cooking shows on TV.
Cola: What would you say that your ideal get
together with friends would be like?  When you
and your mates hang out, what goes down?
Josi: We make music or make art or plan
something along those lines, and eat yummy
food, and catch a light buzz.  I’m not complicated,
but I’m not much for sitting still.  Even if I am in
“watching” TV, I am usually just listening, and
stitching at the same time.
Cola: What would you say separates us here
in Chicago from the other metro areas in
the world, as far as culture?  What, in your
They recorded it with 6 people several
times so it sounds like a real party going
on. “Frailty” is Dave’s view on how people
are so dependent on modern technology,
we’ve become hostages to it, “I heard a
girl once talk about how she couldn’t drive
somewhere because her gps was broken.
That’s what I fear our world is coming
to.” He also attributes this to some of the
failings in the Chicago music Scene with
regards to support, “Before everyone
had internet, people actually went out
and supported bands. Now they’d rather
stay home and plug themselves into their
laptops.” When you listen to this debut
album, you’ll know this the work of a solid,
passionate songwriter, which is something
he hopes people, will remember him for.
“That’s what its all about for me. I feel that
I have something to offer and hope I can be
band accomplishes that.” He also adds “I
love the excitement I see in people when
Thorn Fetish plays.” So don’t worry he
plans on keeping up with both. The Dave
Wallace Band is: Dave Wallace (lead vocals,
guitar), Ryan Heath (drums and vocals),
Melissa Grantham (Keyboard and vocals),
Shaun Benge (Lead vocals and guitar), Nate
Lineberry (Bass).
Check out: thedavewallaceband.com
(continued from Page 8)
opinion, makes us standout?
Josi: We have the best food in the world, if you
don’t have a lot of money to spend.  In Pilsen,
I’m within walking distance of Chinatown,
Greektown, Little Italy, Bridgeport and that’s
a lot of mom-n-pop restaurants that serve up
love-on-a-plate. Chicagoans are also good
people.  We’ll take the time to give you good
directions, and advise you to try Lou Malnati’s
and forget about Gino’s or Giordano’s.  Most
people who visit Chicago from elsewhere never
get into the neighborhoods and that’s a real
shame.  Millennium Park is beautiful, don’t get
me wrong, but don’t *eat* downtown or shop
downtown.  Head out to Devon Avenue and
get yourself hand-embellished silk dresses from
India, or stop by Wentworth to get whole leaf
tea from Ten Ren… explore Chicago and you
won’t be disappointed.
Cola: If you had a magic lamp that would
grant you 3 wishes, what would they be?
Josi: I just have one - that my daughter always
have health and happiness and family.
Cola: Thanks Josi, we all look forward to
your columns, you’ve got a great outlook on
everything from food to film to family and
friends.
You’re Breaking Up...What?
By Brian Ryder
Chamomile? Oh, no thank you. Peppermint?
I’ll pass. Green? Sounds tempting, but I think
I’ll hold off for now. Darjeeling? Wasn’t
there a movie about that? The Darjeeling
Limited? I really did not like that film. At all.
No, I think I’ll be done with tea altogether
for awhile.
Why you ask? Simple…the Tea Party. Aren’t
parties supposed to be fun? I’ve watched
your “parties” on the television and online
more than enough times in the past year to
know that there is nothing fun about what
you are doing. You can’t fool me. I’ve tried
enough that is out there, including online
dating, to know a wolf in sheep’s clothing
when I see one.
Let’s be honest - you aren’t the new thing.
You’re not even that old thing to where
you seem new to the untrained eye. Have
you been alive in the past decade? Did you
happen to be without any semblance of a
communication device since the year 2000?
If so, then maybe I would believe that, for
all intents and purposes, you actually were
a new face in the crowd. But I’m not that
naive. No one could possibly be that dense.
No, you are repackaged and rebranded
neoconservatism. Poorly repackaged and
rebranded, I might add. You claim to be a
combination of populist anger and actual
change. You are sick and tired of “politics
as usual” from both parties. Which, I must
admit, sounds nice at the outset. Let’s be
honest. Who is really being helped in any
great form or fashion these days? Except
maybe the extremely wealthy. Oh…they are
getting PLENTY of help.
I got off point for a moment though. Back to
your “actual change”…back to what exactly?
Thus far, I’ve had the war cry of lower taxes,
guns…umm…Jesus, the Constitution…help
me out…healthcare, sort of. Did I miss
anything?
In bullet point form, it all sounds like
there might be something substantive and
debatable in there somewhere. However,
it seems that when pressed for detail,
attention is diverted to nonsense. Obama is
a secret terrorist? Sarah Palin is the change
we need? Really?
You’ve claimed time and again that the
Tea Party is not a rebranding of the
Republican Party, but it sure seems to be to
me. For a populist movement that dislikes
both political parties so deeply, you never
hesitate to applaud wildly when Michelle
Bachman takes the stage. Or Glenn Beck.
Or the Thrilla From Wasilla.
So, if both parties are the problem, where
was this populist rage when President Bush
was spending billions on war? Where was
the anger when Operation Pipe Dreams was
needlessly incarcerating Tommy Chong?
Where was this anger when President Bush
handed over billions to the banks that were
“too big to fail”? Or when American citizens
were being denied the right to marry
whomever the fuck that they choose?
Bitch…puhlease!
Sorry teabaggers. You fail to make your
point in any measure. Not a fan of the name
“teabaggers”? It seems, to me, hypocritical
to use inflammatory names for those you
disagree with while finding “teabagger”
offensive. You’ve managed to fool a good
number of people, but not everyone. Had
this level of anger been there since 2002
or so, you might be able to win support in
a broad sense. Instead, you pick the most
obvious point in time with which to launch
your rhetoric that sounds eerily similar
to the Conservative Jesus-wielding of the
past few years. Sorry, but I’m not buying
offensive sloganeering, and questionable
“Christian” values. Next!
 Raindrops Keep Falling
On My…I Want To Be
Rained On Elsewhere
I
t’s April, we’re getting rained on.
I’m the kind of gal who owns
enough umbrellas to go with
every outfit, but normal people
do not. I’m not proud of this, in fact,
I often fantasize that I am walking
through the dessert in sandals, carrying
all of my umbrellas to a nearby bonfire.
Rain, rain go away is an understated
demand for us Midwesterners, more
specifically…Chicagoans.
I must admit though, my first jaunt
to Vancouver, BC allowed me to truly
get a feel for the majesty of the rain in
a quaint urban setting. I should have
known that I would be leaving my hotel
dry, only to be soaking wet moments
later, when I glanced out the windows
noting all of the high fashion rain
jackets being obscured by the drizzle.
Even with the inclement weather, the
fair Canadian city of Vancouver rocked
my world…and there was one spot in
particular that stole my rainy, caffeine
and hops loving heart.
Photo: Cola
Craving java? Hailing from or
traveling through British Columbia?
On the corner of 4th and Trafalgar is
Vancouver’s hidden gem, Wired Monk.
What separates this café from the
endless herds of corporate coffee shops
and irritatingly trendy bistros is that you
are able to order a beer as an alternative
to consuming caffeine. This urban vibe
meets family room sing-a-long stop
lets you enjoy a frothy beverage as you
sink into one of their over sized chairs.
Savor art and music on any night of the
week or utilize the free wifi, just be sure
to take advantage of the assortment of
B.C. ales followed by one of their many
eye opening espresso creations.
If you have a fear of flying, or just
don’t want the hassle and have a bit of
extra time on your hands, try cruising
Interstate 90 West in your road worthy
vehicle. 90 West is the quintessential
scenic route for Midwest travelers
shooting for British Columbia, and well
worth the 32 hours of travel.
-Cola
Bowling for Boobies
Everyone come out for a wonderful night
in honor of an even more wonderful cause.
If you can’t make it, can you donate? Cash
donations or services/supplies are welcome.
Maybe your business can offer up an item
for raffle at the silent auction. All of the
money raised from the event goes toward
the fund raising efforts of the Avon 2 Day
“In It To End It - Breast Cancer Walk”. This
event will be hosted at Laraway Lanes in
New Lenox, Illinois on May 15th at 8:40pm
and end at 11:40pm. For more information,
Contact our film review gal, Klover (Kristin
Webster) at 815.210.9517. Within the silent
auction, will be a page ad space, values at
$175 in our June issue of Inclination. Show
your support for a great cause, and assist in
the research of Breast Cancer treatments
and hopefully someday ending this terrible
disease that has claimed the lives of far too
many women across the globe. The Avon 2
Day “In It To End It - Breast Cancer Walk” is
a not for profit charity that donates 100% of
it’s earnings toward breast cancer research,
in hopes of finding a cure. Your donations
are tax deductible and most importantly,
will make a difference. Every dollar
counts, every dollar will help and there
is no donation too small. We anticipate
a fun filled evening of bowling and social
awareness of breast cancer, all contributing
to an important cause. Show your support
by joining Klover and the Inclination team
by Bowling For Boobies and fighting breast
cancer.
 T
he story of rise from the
obscurity of Mr. Ben Mollin
is one to be learned from.
He is the perfect example of
how anyone can make it in America-
his first legitimate job as he put it,
was at Supercuts in Orland Park. As
a musician and stylist, then grow up
surrounded by art, music, constant
reinvention and of course, great family
and friends. As a business owner three
times over, Ben certainly qualifies as an
entrepreneur, putting it lightly. Ben’s
first salon in Homewood, Illinois C.C.
Express (Chicago Cuts Express) was a
hot spot for trendsetting folks to get
their does done, leaving with ahead
of the times makeover experiences
to be remembered. Locals with the
Rock n’ Roll Shear Genius
Ben Mollin
hopes of making style changes would
flock to Chicago Cuts Express and
may now boast that Bravo Television’s
“Shear Genius” (Season 1) runner-up
had once upon a time cut their locks
and styled them into pure bliss. Ben’s
work speaks for itself. You can visit
his current business’s website; Bang
Bang Beauty and Boutique and catch
a glimpse of the assorted before and
after photos, that will blow your mind.
You’ll likely be inspired to pick up
the phone and make an appointment.
With Ben’s fabulous wife, Ann Bower
Mollin, co-owner and colorist,
holding the reins alongside of him,
this uniquely debonair atmosphere
plays host to clients with discerning
taste and fashion know. Bang Bang
is located in Griffith, Indiana, in an
adorable old town area which adds
to the charm and allure of the salon/
boutique, where you can get your hair
perfected and also pick up clothing and
accessories which are most certainly
“in the now”. Ann’s influence on this
space screams of elegance and art. The
powerful team of Ben and Ann Mollin
are the foundation of Bang Bang, a
space adorned with gorgeous wall
art and warmth in color. This all too
seductive atmosphere, with all of the
traditional salon makings is a winner
in our book.
Striking it out of the park with Bang
Bang didn’t come easy for Ben.
His second business venture was a
record store/boutique/salon known
as Bossanova. Ben and close friend
Ryan DeYoung opened this now
closed shop with the hopes of owning
a business that would appeal to the
Written by Cola and Lissy
young and hip, feeding the needs of
music enthusiasts and style seekers
alike. Times got tough for everyone in
our roller coaster of an economy and
Ben and Ryan were not free from this
unfortunate reality. By the end of the
Bossanova ride, Ben and his partner
Ryan were facing a financial crisis. “I
had $50,000 worth of debt, so I was
going to file bankruptcy and move
to Vegas and do an audition for Blue
Man Group” He had a friend already
out there as a magician and was also
going to work with him in a Salon in
Henderson, NV. But before he did that
he wanted to ride around the Midwest
in an RV and do a mockumentary
about fashion and income “I was
going to call myself ‘The Hair To The
Throne’” Ben decided that he truly
wanted to know how he fit into the
cosmetology world, by applying for a
position at a premier Chicago salon. “I
figured I’d type into my computer “Top
Chicago Salon” and whatever came up
as number one that would be the place
I would apply to see if they would hire
me, just to see if I was good enough”
He did the interview and got the job
but realistically had no desire to work
for this particular location. A bit later,
he received a myspace message from a
colorist working at said salon who is
now his wife and business partner - Ann
Bower Mollin. Six months later, he still
wanted to do this mockumentary and
was all set to go ahead with it, Ann was
telling one of her clients who ended
up being a reality producer “She was
originally from Cal City now living in
LA. I met with her like a month after
that and we hit it off really good.” They
talked about a show called “Top Hair”
and emailed him asking him if he had
a website. “It was just a Benmollin.
com, I would do free stuff for high
quality Jpegs and a buddy of mine
built me a little website” After sending
her and the casting agency that deals
with the Bravo shows: Project Runway
and Top Chef, 3 months went by and
Ben heard nothing. Then “I get a
random call from NBC in New York,
and they said ‘We’re on your website,
do you have a minute?’ We then met
in Chicago and they asked me to make
a video” Ben then created “Haircuts
in the Summertime”, a hilariously
rocking gangsta-rap music video
which showed off his individuality,
talent and overall media worthiness.
After two more months of waiting
for responses, he received “a frantic
phone call- ‘Hey send us two photos of
your latest work’ I sent it out and three
days later I had a contract, then I was
flown out to LA. I got there with all my
shit and got picked up in an unmarked
van, no back window, like one of those
“Chester Molester” vans”
After pretty much being sequestered
to a hotel room, subjected to a
psychological exam, and playing
the waiting game “the next two
days was spent making these Bravo
commercials…”Only on Bravo…I
dare you to watch…” like all the shit
you would see on TV”, he then found
himself surrounded by other stylists
and the famous Charlie’s Angels
actress and fashion icon, Jaclyn Smith.
Can you even imagine the thoughts
that must’ve been dancing around in
his creative and determined mind?
Well, we now know thanks to some
very tasty ales compliments of Three
Floyd’s Brewery. Ben Mollin spilled
the beans. Convinced that he would be
gone in the first episode, but knowing
that his family and friends would feel
like they eaten moldy rye bread when
they saw him on the boob tube, on
a reality show no less, Ben pressed
forward into his wild experience as a
hair stylist with the camera following
him around.
On the Bravo reality show, Ben did
extremely well. Although he is modest
and humbled by the opportunity he
was able to take part in, he still rocked
the quaff! “First couple of episodes I’m
knocking it down, I’m not doing bad
and my confidence started to grow.
Then a month into filming and it’s the
last episode! And I kept thinking “Holy
Shit! I’m gonna be on Bravo! I’m gonna
be on a Bravo show and I’m kickin’
ass!” Coming in second place, he was
able to open up a variety of doors into
the Hollywood hair world. Although
the glamour and glitz beckoned, Ben
stayed true to himself, by picking and
choosing the jobs offered to him based
on what he believed in. From being
the backstage hairdresser for VH1 to
playing judge for various hair shows,
Ben firmly believes in the projects that
he takes part in. For someone who has
done the hair of Roger Waters from
Pink Floyd and John Malkovich he
retains a non-braggart attitude and
he is far from what you would expect
of a celebrity stylist. “When you get
an opportunity like that, you find out
what’s truly important to you, a lot of
the things I knew about myself I found
out still to be true, and that meant
the world to me. I don’t need to go
out with a bang, I’m just gonna go on support of his clientele, they opened
there, do my thing, learn as much as I up the boutique across the street. Ben
possibly can and not piss anyone off in now travels the world doing hair shows,
the process” educational and motivational speaking
and thinks it’s all insane that he’s now
We asked what he thought of Bill considered to be one of the country’s
Clinton when he met him at VH1s most influential hairdressers.
Save The Music he told us that he’s
“Fuckin’ awesome, but it wasn’t like I Ben and his wife Ann utilize their good
was just sitting there shooting shit ya fortune to better their community,
know? I also hung out with Mariah bringing culture to a starved area. They
Carey and Conan O’Brian. Conan, I have offered their business to play host
spent a good thirty minutes with, it to charity events, such as the recent
was awesome! He’s a giant! They were “Flamini Foundation Fashion Show”.
auctioning off one of Paul McCartney’s The Flamini Foundation, founded by
guitars and Conan was standing there Theresa Flamini, uses their donations
looking out at the thing, looking at his to purchase gifts for children in
watch, doing some text stuff and we hospitals during the holidays. At the
make eye contact and he motions me fashion show, Stephen Rosengard of
to go over there and goes “What’s up?” “Project Runway” gave us a smart
He said something about rich people showing of various pieces from his
and their fucking money, it was up to 2010 spring collection. Ben and Ann
like a quarter of a million and he was transformed Bang Bang Beauty and
getting impatient which I thought was Boutique into the ideal venue for this
funny. But, it was like ‘why am I here? important charitable event. Beyond the
To shake hands with an ex-president? catwalk, wine bar and hors d’oeuvres,
All because of hairdressing? Because the room was beaming with Flamini
of my beauty school?” Foundation enthusiasts and Bang Bang
family, friends and of course clients.
He was also flat broke when he went The mood was exciting and warm, a
back home; all he had was his house great cause, hosted in a spectacular
in Cal City and a bunch of debt. So space. The fashion show was a success,
he borrowed some money from his raising funds and awareness for the
mother to put a deposit down on a Flamini Foundation.
house Ann had found and he started
doing hair out of the spare bedroom. From what we at Inclination have
“But then all the commercials started observed of Ben Mollin, he is in no
to run and I realized I wasn’t going to be way your typical 15 minute famer. He
able to cut hair out of this little room in continues to seek out new ways to live
our house anymore, because everyone out the stylist dream. He is traveling the
in the country…it had started. So my world with scissors in hand. Instead of
buddy owns a guitar store in Griffith, taking jobs with corporate chains, he’s
dynamite music, and he had a space opted to stay real to himself. Nexus
that was maybe 12x12 and I got two came to him with an offer to be their
tool boxes from The Home Depot, Spokesperson where he would be paid
two of the cheapest shampoo bowls I really good money to be a part of their
could find at Sally Beauty Supply and website and on webcam show people
two really uncomfortable shampoo how to do their hair in the style of
chairs.” At this point Ann quit her job Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and
to support Ben and became his colorist Jessica Simpson, “I was all set to do it, I
so all he needed to do was cut hair. thought about it, the money was great!
After a year and a half they gained 500 But then a week before, I thought
new clients. Then knowing he had the I’m not gonna feel right doing this,
I’m probably gonna regret this, but I
don’t think I’m the right guy for this
job” He has returned to the area where
he was born and raised and keeps his
family and friends at the forefront
of his priorities. Ben has mastered
the task of maintaining his high level
of professional savvy, individuality,
quirky personality, all while flying to
the top. At the same time that Nexus
was courting him, Joico was doing the
same. They flew him out to LA “I’ve
been trained by literally some of the
world renowned people, because in
order for me to represent any product,
I need to have that training to show
what it is they do” This was the job Ben
knew he should take as he gets to learn
from people he respects. Street Cred
and Pride take over money “if you’re
gonna put your face and your name on
something you have to at least believe
in it, lets do something grassroots with
me, strengthen my weak points and
embrace the things I’m strong at and
then use me for whatever you think you
can use me for. It seems to be working,
I’m glad I went that route”
Ben has played music for years, playing
a multitude of instruments, including
saxophone, guitar, bass guitar and of
course taking over the microphone and
rocking vocals. Ben’s current project,
Wolcott, showcases a mixture of rock
‘n roll with pop appeal, their video for
“Teardrops” is a favorite of ours, it turns
out that his friend Nick that made that
video and his audition tape actually
bought his house in Cal City from him.
A favorite project of mine personally,
was a 90’s instrumental collaboration
that went by the sassy name of “She
is Fine”. This jazzy, funky and lively
mixture of musicians included Ben
himself on saxophone, Ben’s once
business partner and good friend Ryan
DeYoung on drums, Mike Balsi on bass
guitar, and Threshold Music’s Josh, on
the keyboard. They were a sight to see
and a sound to move to. There have
been many projects over the years in
which Ben has taken part in, musically
speaking. Ben has played many styles
of music, from rock to jazz to heavy
metal. There is one constant, Ben is
an amazing musician, who knows his
chops. Ben has rocked with the best
of them and he is well known and
respected within the Chicago music
scene. What else would we expect
though, from this jack-of-all-trades?
But he won’t bring up music unless you
do yourself, “I used to think they were
in a similar vein, now I know they’re
two totally different things, cause hair
you seldom do at night, and music, if
you’re any good, you don’t play during
the day, you know what I mean? The
music thing is still cool, but playing in
a band is weird now. I still enjoy it, I
love playing, I love recording, coming
up with sounds and writing songs, but
being in a band is such a pain in the
ass, you know? Just hanging around
with four or five guys that you’re not
fucking but in a relationship with”
Constantly evolving and always looking
for new ways to express his creativity,
this man of many mediums continues
to surprise us and holds himself to
the highest expectation “when I’m at
that salon for those 8 hours, I have to
be so on now for the rest of my life”.
Dr. Robert asked Ben if there was one
person out there, who would be his
dream hair to get a hold of? Ben replied
“Aside from Miley Cyrus, lemme
think…you guys would get a kick out
of this, I got an email from the Olsen
Twins a while back, I had to answer
ten questions for their website and for
a minute I thought how fun it would
be to make them up in drag or like
Zombies” We then all got excited with
what we thought he should do, corsets
and Lost in Space was mentioned. So
in the end the answer to Dr. Robert’s
question was The Olsen Twins. With
the success of his salon boutique and
the happiness that he finds in his
family life, Ben Mollin keeps rocking
and rolling all over our lives. We can’t
wait to see what he does next.
WHORE-A-SCOPE
Compliments of Cola
Happy Birthday King of Fire – Aries - This
is a rocky year for you. You’ve screwed a few
groupies and screwed a few friends over. All
of your talent and creativity is now clouded
over by your inability to come up with
anything original. As the spring and summer
approach, you find yourself reevaluating
your current situation, not only as far as your
career, but also romantically speaking. As the
weather warms and the season changes, your
group of co-working friends will come and go.
It may be time to figure out what you want to
be when you grow up. Don’t forget to thank
mom for letting you live in her basement.
Happy Birthday!
Taurus -This month is tricky for you. You
owe your arse to the IRS, you can’t seem to
get rid of that cold and no one will give you
that hug you so desperately need. It’s time to
plant your garden and pray for the rain. Hey,
guess what…it’s tends to rain a lot in April,
both literally and figuratively. Be prepared for
those surrounding you to lay out their worries
and woes, meanwhile neglecting all of yours.
When you find yourself in times of trouble…
let it be.
Gemini - Dreams are only dreams…that
is, until you start acting them out in your
conscious reality. No, you won’t be giving
any speeches in the buff, but you may want to
avoid forced rendezvous with old flames. The
vibrator is your friend and pornography was
invented to heal you. Rather than guzzling
down a fifth of vodka and turning into
“Mumbles the ‘Sexy’ Clown”, stay at home and
just say NO! Say NO to your own stupidity.
Also, you may want to look into that app. That
locks your iPhone down after drink numero
tres.
Cancer - My gods, don’t you ever stop bitching
and whining? If you don’t want to be the lone
kid left on the playground, quit driving all
your friends away with your negative attitude.
There’s only one thing that’s worse than a
“Debbie Downer”, a “Donnie Downer”. So,
if you’re of the testosterone dominant variety,
MAN UP. Good fortune is on the way for you,
but only if you’re not too busy yelling at the
waitress to notice it when it shows up.
Leo - April is a challenging time for you. You
feel like your world has been turned upside
down. The only way to sift through the
enigma that has become your work load is
to become a bit more chaotic yourself. Dive
head first into the pool of Jello, that is much
like your relationship troubles…sticky, but
all the same tasty. If you find yourself stuck,
have a friend scoop you out…the “bail call” is
always a favorite.
Virgo - You stupid bitch, you talk shit about all
of your friends and family, but you somehow
wonder why no one likes to run into you
anymore. This month it all catches up to
you. Beware of that old friend who has one
last card in his or her back pocket to play on
you…they are ready and willing to use it.
Don’t push anyone’s buttons this month, you
never know when they will push back…or
who will be there watching when it happens.
Saying “Sorry” holds magical powers…try it
some time.
Libra - It’s too bad that you still haven’t found
the nerve to do what you really want with
your life. You are constantly trying to impress
the wrong friends. Someone who really cared
about you has watched your tornado turn into
a tiny zephyr. How sad it is when the mighty
fall. It’s never too late to pull a boom-box
scene from “Say Anything”. The power of
music is your only asset right now.
Scorpio - You actually are really doing okay.
You feel like with the change of temperature
around you, your hard shell is softening and
you are becoming open to new and exciting
experiences. You’ve learned things about
team work that all of your business experience
The I Decline feature is no
could have never taught you last month, longer available. Sorry.
and you only continue to thrive in your new
ensemble. Money and fame are calling your
name.
Sagittarius - Bar fights don’t look good on
you this month. Keep your temper in check
or you’ll find yourself in the detention center
of your local police station. Unexpected luck
comes to you in the form of an old friend’s
advice. Keep a look out for things with the
color orange, they bring happy tidings.
Capricorn – You have to stop leaving things all
over your counters. People will think you do
nothing all day but constantly reorganize your
stuff. You should be making better use of your
intelligence and capability to make order out
of chaos. A sibling or very close friend owes
you a favor and it’s a good time to call it in.
Aquarius - Quit following, start leading. Don’t
get mad, get even. Good things come to those
who wait…better things come to those who
grab the wheel and drive off the cliff…but not
literally, my crazy water bearing pals!
Pisces - If you don’t go postal and kill everyone
around you at your current employment
situation, you might find that you are needed
more than you think. If you threaten to leave
them in limbo without your special skill set,
you will find that they’ll begin to squirm.
New projects and old lovers return in April.
Remember, there is no permanent cure for
Herpes, and scratch lottery tickets are a bad
idea.
P
ower to the People began as a
political slogan in the 1960s.  Used
by the younger generation, it was a
form of rebellion directed against
the older generation, those in charge - The
Establishment!  As often it happens, history
does repeat itself.  We are once again
experiencing a rebellion.  This time around,
those sticking it to the man are the music
fans.  The establishment they are rebelling
against - The Recording Industry!
Make no mistake, the fans are in
control.  What started over 10 years ago
with Shawn Fanning’s ill-fated Napster,
has become one of the largest and most
successful grass roots movements in known
history.  Peer to peer file sharing (deemed
piracy by the powers that be) continues to
be a thorn in the side of major record label
executives.  In fact, it has all but brought
the industry to its knees.  Call it what you
will, but the revolution is upon us and
the recording industry as we know it will
forever change.
Just as label executives were caught with
their pants down and unable (more
like unwilling) to adapt, so were many
artists.  They failed to grasp the concept that
music is and always has been a marketing
tool, not just a product sold to sustain a
career.  I don’t mean to come off as a dick,
but if your whole business model is built on
selling physical CDs or digital downloads
in order to “make it”, then you are a f#@
king idiot.  OK, maybe that was a bit harsh,
but why should I buy your music?  I don’t
know you, I’ve never heard you.  networking, and did strategic planning.  The
Enter Music as a Marketing Tool!  Used
properly with other tools such as social
networking, blogging, newsletters, forums,
offline networking, and face to face fan
engagement, artists establish two extremely
important components - TRUST and
VALUE!  Both are needed before a fan will
commit to investing in you as an artist.  This
is hardly a new concept.  In fact, ever heard
the expression, return to your roots?  fans to tape their shows, understanding
The majority of bands start out this
way.  Playing locally, handing out FREE
demos, and gaining exposure to new fans
via word of mouth.  The problem is many of
these bands seem to forget where they came
from and who got them where they might
be at any given point of their career.  Your
fans are you life’s blood; treat them as part
of the business.  Share your music freely (at
first), but get something in return.  Email
addresses, feedback, testimonials, etc. 
I would like to introduce you to a band
by Wicked D
that not only understood the power of the
people, but wrote the book of success on
the subject.  They were visionaries who
created customer value, promoted social
band knew to treat itself as a business and
was incorporated, establishing a board
of directors, and founding a profitable
merchandising division.  to our roots.  Not just our own, but those
More importantly, they were fan
management specialists, focusing intensely
on their most loyal fans.  A touring schedule
hotline was created, reserving the best
tickets for those fans.  The band permitted
that sharing tapes would widen their
audience; just as digitally pirated music
does today.  This led to increased ticket
and merchandise sales.  Eventually, they
became one of the most profitable musical
acts of all time, despite having relatively
meager album sales compared to other
commercial artists.  Believe it or not, this
began over 30 years ago!  The band was
named The Grateful Dead.  Their fans were
affectionately referred to as Dead Heads.
Let’s fast forward 30 years.  Imagine
what The Dead could have accomplished
with modern technology.  The internet
appears custom built for artists to develop
direct relationships with music fans.  Music
marketing efforts can now be integrated
across social networks, blogs, email, and
mobile phones (which easily bridge the
gap between online & off).  These same
techniques can be used to leverage your
fans as distributors. 
This so-called Artist Direct to Fan concept
not only builds trust and value, but allows
the collection of such data as buying
habits, preferences, interests, behavior,
etc.  The connection also provides instant
gratification to fans, making them feel
a part of something special.  Of course,
cutting out the middleman increases artist
profit!  Just remember, the fans may be
in control, but it is the artist that MUST
take ownership of the fan relationship and
develop it over time.
There is so much to be learned by returning
whom have done it all before, with great
success.  Music has always been about the
fans.  Let’s give it back to them!

Written by De
“A life without passion is a life wasted”. Wise
words from a man full of wisdom. One could
say this has become Ree Teeter of R.T. Guitar’s
slogan. He believes everyone should have a
passion, and his is of course is guitars. I, like
many guitarists of Cook County, have come
to know and trust only Ree with my “babies”.
His name is Ree, he is known as R.T., but I
have heard on many occasions him be referred
to as “the doctor” and “the man” among other
celebratory monikers. One might say he’s a
legend. He has been designing and building
custom made guitars for nearly 40 years in this
region. Throughout these decade, his business
has gone through many incarnations. The
most recent of which is located in Midlothian
in the Mid Oak Plaza on the corner of 147th
street and Cicero. Tucked in the corner next
to State Farm, one might just pass it by without
seeing it. I recommend that any guitarist with
an interest in improving their sound stop in and
have a talk with R.T.
I’ve known Ree for over fifteen years, and
have worked for him since I finished my
apprenticeship with him in 2008. A rarity in
today’s information age, he is completely self-
taught. Upon graduating from high school,
his father asked him what he would like as a
gift. While most kids today would ask for a
car or a vacation, all Ree wanted was a book on
guitar building and the wood to begin building
his first guitar. He loved his father’s Larson
Brothers Euphonon six string and was listening
to Leadbelly and Leo Kottke at the time, so he
really wanted to try to build a twelve string
acoustic. There weren’t any luthier schools
around back then, let alone much material on
the topic. He recalls that he even had to build
and customize some of the tools that he needed
for that first guitar. Before he had actually
begun building the guitar, he knew what his
calling was. It was almost five years before
someone offered to buy one. Out of this first
sale, a dream and a business was born.
His business has gone through many ups and
downs since then, but the one thing has never
changed is his love for his craft. He had begun
building guitars in his home, and after a short
stint in retail, he moved and converted half his
new home into a workshop. Besides building
and repairing guitars and basses, he taught
several apprenticeships during those years.
Unfortunately, the home/store was zoned for
residential only, so he was forced back into
retail. He was at that shop from the late 90’s
till about a year ago. As Ree explained, “In
the past few years, corporate America got into
the game and changed everything. Like many
other markets, guitar sales have become less
and less specialized. Customers no longer have
to go to a guitar shop if they want to purchase a
guitar. They’re sold everywhere, including the
internet. The dynamics have changed so much
that its difficult for an individual to compete”.
He dealt with this change by happily going back
to his roots.
He’s consolidated the store and aside from
supplies, he’s pulled away from retail. The
focus at R.T. Guitars is now solely on building
and repairing. Some of the repairs he regularly
does are basic-set ups, fret level and crowns,
hardware and electronic upgrades and repairs,
along with alot of structeral repairs. Ree is not
only an expert in his craft, he’s also a friend to
his many die-hard customers. If one has any
kind of guitar related question, he is the “go-to
guy”. I asked Ree if he had any advice for the
new or novice player about they’re guitar. “Well,
something that most new guitarists don’t realize
is that guitars, being made of wood, change with
the humidity and temperature. All guitars need
to have seasonal maintenance. Also, that even
a brand new guitar’s playability can be greatly
improved with a set-up.” Always informative,
I highly recommend to any guitarist that you
stop in to his shop.
R.T. Guitars
4828 Mid Oak Plaza in Midlothian
(708)535-3878
www.myspace.com/reeteeter
rtguitars1@yahoo.com
Gaming With
Grampire
This column isn’t really a new game review as much
as it is my personal game of the month which, in
reality, isn’t done by release date but more of what
I’m enjoying currently. Now that my explanation is
out of the way, let’s get onto the game at hand.
T
he game I will be discussing
this month is Heavy Rain. It is
my game of the month for all
the wrong reasons. The concept of the
game is really cool. You play as four
different characters whose lives become
intertwined due to the acts of a serial
killer known as The Oragami Killer.
Where this game fails is that it’s like
playing Simon Says with the controller
during an ultra long cutscene. You have
control over your characters during
uneventful moments while the battle
system is “push the assigned button in
time to watch your character punch or
dodge.” I like the idea of a game being
somewhat like an interactive movie,
but when you aren’t partaking much
in the action, it can be slow-paced and
an agonizingly boring time. I felt that
it became more of a chore to play than
an enjoyable experience. It could have
been so much better if there was more
action on the players part but all in all,
it was a snooze fest. Save your money
for something more interesting!
Just a quick tip: Final Fantasy XIII is
corrupting files on the old PS3, but runs fine
on the newer slim PS3 model. So if you’ve
got the old fatboy PS3 then DO NOT PLAY
FFXII. It will RUIN your PS3!
Have a good one,
Grampire
In keeping with Mike Paus’ article earlier in this issue pertaining to the Drug War, I’ve decided to continue on with that theme here for
this month. In my sporadic research on America’s War on Drugs, I’ve come to the conclusion that, put simply, it is unconstitutional and
serves as more of a drain on our economy than it serves to keep drugs away from children. My choices for this month reflect my interest
in the subject from artists and writers that are passionate about the subject.
Most comedy albums bear an unspoken
expiration date in terms of timeliness.
Others stick to
safer, universal
themes that,
while timeless,
never really
dig deep into
any substantive
i s s u e s .
Recorded back
in 1993, Rant In E-Minor contains Bill
Hicks at his most biting. Frighteningly,
if you swap out a few names, much of
this material sounds as if it could have
been recorded in 2005.
With the acid tongue of a true rebel,
Bill Hicks skewers any and all of
the elites he saw as detrimental to
what he referred to as our “collective
unconscious”. No one was safe and no
one left unscathed. Bill Hicks clearly
saw the world through unfiltered eyes
and never hesitated to let anyone who
would listen know exactly how he felt
about anything and everyone. Branded
by the uninformed as a leftist, he is
now championed by anyone who feels
that there is a greater force at work in
our lives.
Bill Hicks passed away on February 26,
1994 at the age of 32. Though he was
well aware that he was dying on cancer
at the time, he continued to perform
live until he physically no longer could.
His greatest impact in America was
sadly felt after his passing. Listening to
Rant In E-Minor today, it is almost as
if he was able to see what was coming
down the pike. Or perhaps, human
beings, particularly in America, were
simply due to repeat mistakes of their
past? Or maybe Bill Hicks was onto
something deeper and served as a
warning to us all.
Pot, porn and immigration are
the three sacred cows explored in
great detail by writer Eric Schlosser.
Through extensive research and vivid
storytelling, Schlosser draws the
reader into the world of underground
economies, what drives them and how
to integrate them into the mainstream.
He spends a large amount of time
focusing on each issue individually
and uses personal accounts to draw
greater attention to each one’s most
dire circumstances.
The focal point remains aimed at
showcasing the root of the actual
problem and the missteps taken by the
authorities when
dealing with said
problem. In the
case of the Drug
War, specifically
that of marijuana
users and growers,
much ado is given
to the extreme
sentences given to
everyday people
who violate the marijuana laws that
seem terribly outdated. The pages on
immigration focus on the manner in
which illegal labor is obtained and
the conditions under which those
employed are exploited and how
it negatively effects our economic
situation. The final section that focuses
on the history of and underground
roots of pornographic materials is so
engaging, it would make for a terrific
film or cable miniseries. Though many
refer to Larry Flynt or Hugh Hefner,
Reefer Madness shines a light on the
godfather of smut, Reuben Sturman.
Throughout, your attention will be
served with eye-opening information.
By Brian Ryder
Growing up, filmmaker Kevin Booth
was friends with comedian Bill Hicks.
Today, Kevin handles many of Bill
Hicks’ materials. Through his own
experiences and research, Kevin
Booth has emerged as one of the
leading proponents of decimating
the War On Drugs. Armed with his
2-hour documentary American Drug
War: The Last White Hope, he riddles
the propaganda of the Drug War
with holes big enough to fly a Boeing
through.
With testimony from former CIA
agents, LAPD, town hall meetings and
more, Kevin Booth aims to expose the
injustices thrust upon the populace at
the hands of the Drug War. He travels
across the country to get people’s
stories and accounts of dealing with the
Drug Enforcement Agency and speaks
to anyone and everyone from Sheriff
Joe Arpaio to “Freeway” Ricky Ross.
Throughout the film, he touches on
every aspect of how the War On Drugs
is having more of a negative impact
on what is considered by many to be
a problem of sickness over criminal
intent.
This is information
that one will likely
never see on corporate
owned television
and/or media. This is
precisely the sort of
information that is
sought to be oppressed
by those with a vested
interest in keeping drugs illegal and
maintaining the prison industrial
complex through private corporate
ownership. In that sense, this film is
highly recommended and important
for all people to investigate.
In 2006, Liam Kyle Sullivan’s Shoes video
featuring Kelly, went viral. People all over
the world were laughing to his parody of an
awkward young girl fevered for shoes. Over
the past four years Liam has been continuing
his craft and I was able to touch base with
him to see how he’s doing now and what’s
next for him.

DR: For the Inclination readers, can you

give our readers who may be newer to I n t e r v ie w
you and some who might be fans a little by
history about you and how you ended up D r. R
in California and what got you rolling o
with Youtube.?

be
rt
LS: Yeah sure I grew up in Massachusetts in
a small town outside of Boston and I always
liked acting and you know being a goofball
in school and stuff and I did school plays in
high school and went to college and took
some acting classes in college. And… and
then I moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and
(laughter) I kind of bummed around for
awhile and didn’t know what I was doing
and then I discovered improv and sketch
writing and that was really where it was at
for me….and so I just went full force into
that and then Youtube got invented after I
started doing little short films. So I didn’t
do any of my stuff for Youtube actually in
the early part … like the Shoes video which
is probably the most popular one ..you
know I din’t set out to make a Youtube
video because I didn’t know that Youtube
existed and I think its safe to say I am an
accidental Youtuber.

DR: Now its probably safe to say a lot of

people have as I have, come across your
work because of your Kelly Caharacter,
I came from that into contact with your
variety or sketch show. The Liam Show
which reminds me a little bit of…or it has
a kind of Kids In The Hall feel?

LS: Yeah, I went for that actually it was very

much on purpose for me.

DR: So they obviously were an inspiration

for you.

LS: Oh Yeah, Big Time.

DR: So where are you looking to take this

ultimately…are you looking to taking
this to the networks…I think it would be
L i a m Ky l e
Sullivan
brilliant.

LS: I would like to, yeah, take it to the

networks although the networks are coming
more and more frequently online so it may
be something that’s a hybrid that I end up
get to a place where you say I can’t afford
this anymore and so you try to get to the
networks and reach a broader audience but
when I think about my ultimate goals as
long as I am reaching people I am pretty
happy in making them laugh and its just
been lucky that Youtube and sites like that
have been made available.
DR: Sure once someone develops an
interest in the Liam Show due to modern
communications you can share it with
your friends and laugh about it together.
And I am hoping that
Inclination readers will
take interest in the show
because you have some
brilliant characters.
Maybe you could share
with our readers some of
your characters and the
generative sparks that
made you create them?
LS: Sure …well let’s see
the Kelly character is
kind of from a bunch of
different women I have
met out here in Southern
California she’s basically a
very loud brash character
and I like that about her
but she’s not based on any
one person….The Muffin
Lady is another popular
character, she’s not really
based on any one person in particular
either although I do attribute one of her
lines to my mother which is “You’ll eat it
and like it.” We heard that a lot growing
up…(Laugh) Then the Dr Ullee character
is a very strange character he’s very creepy,
he’s a creepy sex therapist and he’s based
on a real doctor I had an experience
with(Doctor Robert Laughs)
DR: I’m sorry I don’t mean to laugh but
that’s pretty hysterical because that brings
more depth to the skit…brilliant.
LS: Thank you
DR: So when you come up with characters
they are archetypal so almost like from a
sparkof an idea?
LS: Yeah the spark is usually me playing
with my voice and I’ll do different accents
or voices in my head while I’m driving or
walking down the street. I mean if I wasn’t
doing this I would probably be labeled a
crazy person and be locked up in an asylum.
Because a lot of time I spend playing around
with my voice and seeing what it can do
and that’s where I get a lot of my inspiration
from listening to what comes out of my
mouth and once something makes me
laugh I just keep going with it and seeing
where it leads.
DR: So the other characters that are on the
Liam Show are these your creation as well
or are these people from the Show Case
Show Down.
LS: Yeah a lot of them are from Another
Showcase Showdown (ASS).
DR: Would you explain what that is for
our readers?
LS: Sure Another Showcase Showdown is
a sketch showcase here in LA and it has
been very awesome for a lot of us because
it has resulted in jobs and eventually we
got a TV Show because of the Showcase.
People in VH-1 gave us a season of a show
in 2007 called I Hate my 30s and although
it didn’t get picked up for another season
it was great to have it that season. So a
lot of the people that are in my stuff are
from the Showcase Showdown and they
are really talented people and I’ve known
them for the last ten years and we just have
a lot of fun. Some of the stuff that is on my
Youtube channel they’ve come up with the
character or they’ve written and I have just
put it out…I hope that I say on every video
in the description box who’s done what.
DR: Well I came across a couple of them
while investigating your work. And it
occurs to me that when I and some friends
were watching it we found ourselves
echoing your sentiment that your work
revelas a kind of insanity or craziness and
that’s what makes it so good.
LS: Thanks
DR: Do you do tours or stand up?
LS: I’ve done stand up and I’m not very good
at it I’m much better at creating little weird
worlds and performing them, but I have
done live performances of my characters
like Kelly and The Aunt Susan character
and I’ve done that with Margaret Cho, and
I’ve done it here in LA and in colleges so I
love live performances.
DR: Oh yeah Aunt Susan…The
Collaborative video between Kelly and
Aunt Susan…so Shoesthe video went viral
in about 2006?
LS: yes 2006
DR: So what have you
been up to since then?
LS: I’ve been performing
as Kelly and Touring
as Kelly, making more
videos as Kelly and
exploring the Aunt Susan
character and every
now and again trying
something altogether
different. And it was the
Kelly character really put
me on the map and a lot
of people have wanted
to see more of her and
I’ve been trying to keep
people happy with
that, and I have been
playing a lot of her for
the past four years and
we’re thinking about maybe taking her to
animation because I’m getting older and
that could be gross some day.
DR: Do you think Kelly will do another
album.
LS: I don’t know if there is an evolution to
this character..she’s kind of who she is…I
think shoes, let me borrow that top, text
message break up…they are really kind of
stand alone classic Kelly.
DR: I’ll never forget when Text Message
breakup came up on my Pandora while
I was driving and I was LMAO driving
down the street…If there’s one thing I
want to get across to readers it is that you
a freakin hysterical. I am glad you are still
hard at work. Is there anything you would
suggest people to take a look at.
LS: DR Ullee is one of my favorites it’s a
little long about ten minutes if they can
endure it its got some really great humor
in there.
DR: Well, thank you for your time and we
are all eager to see the work that you keep
doing. What you have given us thus far is
truly brilliant.

I
’m not the sort of person for whom
DIY = duct tape. Instead, I google,
and I scour YouTube, and then I see
if Amazon has anything that might
be of assistance. When I do it myself, my
objective is to get better quality than I
would otherwise be able to afford. This is
especially true when it comes to wearables
and housewares. I don’t want something
to look handmade; I want someone to be
utterly shocked when they find out that my
own two hands did the work.
Yeah, yeah, call me anal. I’ve been called
worse. It’s like calling me a geek Do you
really think I don’t already know this? My
theory, though, is that all we have is our time
and I’m not going to spend what I’ve been
allotted with on half-assed workmanship.
One of my favorite trends in the
independent fashion movement is buying
custom-designed materials at an affordable
cost…meaning a designer can create
something actually unique and consumers
can purchase the completed pieces without
breaking their piggy bank.
HOTLava (http://www.etsy.com/shop/
HotLAVA) on Etsy, is a great example
of what is available. Tracy’s handmade
buttons are the perfect finishing touch for
badass bags, a hand-stitched cardigan, or
even to swankify a Target bag with crappy
buttons.
Her pendants could easily double as belt
buckle covers. Her prices make them easy
to use hand-crafted materials, too - $4 for
a handmade button?! I pay more for that at
JoAnn’s for piddly plastic buttons. I hear
she takes custom orders, too, so if there’s a
certain size and shape and color of ceramic
that you need to make your project perfect,
you can give her your specs.
Spoonflower (http://www.spoonflower.
com) lets you design your own fabric
prints, in a way that utilizes modern
technology so perfectly I am yet again
reminded how happy I am to be alive
while all these industries (like digital
publications) emerge. Spoonflower lets
you design anything you want, arranged
however your mind conceives it. You want
fabric with pink-bow-wearing skulls on a
background of feral cats – have at it. As
long as you, or someone else, can draw it
and get it into JPEG form, Spoonflower
can print it on everything from cotton
quilting fabric to linen canvas. Curtains,
skirts, pillows, blouses, sundresses, quilts…
ahhh, the mind goes bananas. I can’t tell
you how many times the fabric store made
me loathe teddy bears, and hearts, and
little tiny pansies, as I sought ANY print
that would suit my needs. Spoonflower is
the control-freak seamstress’s dream come
true. Spoonflower also allows you to peruse
other designer’s fabrics, and even purchase
them.
Fused glass is Laurie’s specialty at Kiku
Handmade (http://www.kiku-co.com).
MY, how I adore her belt buckles. I can see
smaller versions of them used as hardware
on purses and I’m in luck - she takes
custom print orders, too. While you are
checking out her site, make sure to check
out her housewares section – the coasters
make great wedding shower and Mother’s
Day gifts.
by
Josi Hannon
Madera
For crocheters and knitters and weavers,
there’s an almost limitless supply of
handspun and hand-dyed yarns. My three
favorite yarn artisans are Symeon North,
Brianna Mewborn and Vera Videnovich.
Symeon, aka Pippikneesocks, wrote Get
Spun (http://www.amazon.com/Get-Spun-
Step-Step-Spinning/dp/1596680644), a fun
and well-thought guide to spinning yarn.
(Didja know all you need is an old CD and a
pencil? It’s true!) Brianna Mewborn’s yarn
colorways are inspired, and she will work
with her yarn-loving customers to create
custom palettes. Visit her at The Yarn Side
(http://www.theyarnside.com).
Vera, of Videnovich farms (http://
videnovichfarms.com), spins yarn she’s
hand-dyed from wool she’s shorn from her
own sheep (that’s the sorta hardcore DIY
I’m talking about!). She also dyes machine-
processed yarns using natural sources, like
marigolds, that she grows herself. Just as
importantly, Vera grows really good food
and all this creatin’ and makin’ gets a gal
hungry. I recommend buying a share in
Vera’s CSA or meeting up with her at one of
the various farmers’ markets she frequents
– her loving care is evident in the quality of
the ingredients she provides. She’s always
been open to suggestions for new produce
to grow… but patience is key when the end
result starts with a seed.
[please use both photos: ssstyle-may-vera-
01,02]
 Murder FM appears uniformly
dressed as if they are the four
horsemen of the apocalypse,
leading you on a journey of
debauchery and mayhem. Of
course that’s what you see when
looking at them all dressed
up painted up like your worst
nightmare. Once they hit that
stage, you are shown true
insanity. You are unable to tear
your gaze from the madness
going on before you. Not that
there is any reason not to watch
them when on stage. These
four Texas musicians have been
busy touring with the likes of
The Used, Korn, The Becoming,
and I Am Ghost, just to name
a few. The bands guitarist and
all around madman Matt x3r0
(pronounced Zero) took some
time out of their hectic life and
touring schedule for quite an
interesting interview.
Sarah 13: Is there a song/artist/
album on your Ipod or CD player
that would surprise people?
Matt x3r0: There is a lot of stuff
on my Ipod that would surprise
the living hell out of a lot of
people. Because to be perfectly
honest, think about it, if you’re in
a band, all you hear all day is loud
guitars? It’s all loud music all the
time. And you know what, that’s
cool, there’s a lot of people out
there going *mumbles* “you’re
lame, rock metal all the time”
Yeah you know what, sorry man
but I got Journey on my Ipod, I
got Michael Jackson on my Ipod.
I got, I got all sorts of stuff on
my Ipod, I got Mandy Moore on
my Ipod. Like at some point you
wanna hear a pretty girl sing a
song or you want to hear some
good harmony vocals or you want
to hear a good solo, You don’t just
want to hear loud music all the
time, cuz your ears get tired.
S13: Some of your songs have a
clear, strong statement and seem
to be aimed towards the opposite
sex. Was this intentional, how
did these songs form?
Matt: Excellent question, we
aren’t necessarily trying to send
a direct message to anyone of the
opposite sex, because with today’s
Interview by Sarah 13 day and age, there are people who
are mad at people of the same sex. Our music is
basically aimed, not at but was written for anyone
who has ever had a broken heart. And you
know, its kind of like…I know there’s a million
metal heads out there going “*mumbles* You’re
gay” But you know what man, At some point,
some metal chick broke your heart and so don’t
even try and lie. We wanted to write songs for
those people that felt bad or been abused, just
things like oh you broke my heart and there’s a
million songs about people saying I’m sorry, or
a million chicks getting on a microphone going
“*girly voice* He’s such a jerk to me, and blah
blah blah” and you know what, we felt it was
time that we felt in our time someone needed to
stand up and say hey man, girls are mean too,
like someone needed to say “I have a broken
heart”, but that’s cool. Like I’m gunna be mad
about it, or I’m just gunna get over it, you know
what, I am gunna write a song about it. I hate
you, like end of story.
S13: So it’s like a country song, just rockified?
Matt: *Does a voice* sounds like a country
song…Yeah pretty much, we rockified country.
I have country on my Ipod by the way.
S13: Where exactly did the name Murder FM
come from?
Matt: Murder FM, my bass player, for the life,
there’s like 9 different explanations. I’ve heard
some fan was like dude I like Murder Fuck
Monkeys. But it is actually Murder Fucking
Music, and it’s just angry, and it’s just to let you
go dude Murder Fucking Music. Like, because,
that’s our times, our times have included more
the bad words. And blah blah blah, and so
that’s the people we are so fuck it, we’re murder
fucking music.
S13: Without naming your own band, what are
5 bands Murder FM would recommend?
Matt: 5 bands we would recommend like
touring bands...like?
S13: To listen to or see live.
Matt: Ok, to see live I would suggest…Sure we
can’t name us? I’m just kidding, I am a huge
fan of…We were just on tour with Modern
Day Escape, I Am Ghost, and The Becoming.
I would actually name all 3 of those. Excellent
bands live, I like all their music, like there was
never really a dull moment on that tour I loved
that tour. They were a blast.
S13: The Becoming is awesome
Matt: Yeah, we’re good friends with Dustinn
and Caleb from The Becoming. And Lance,
those are my homies. We get angry, well not
at each other, but we get angry at people. It’s
like Hey you looking at my band,…That was 3.

Modern Day Escape, *changes voice* Modern
Day Escape, The Becoming, I Am Ghost, uh
who did we just play with yesterday, that I really
really liked? Where were we at yesterday?
S13: Dallas
Matt: We were in Dallas, and we played with…
The Dreaming! The Dreaming, Annnnddddd I
am like the biggest Breaking Benjamin fan ever,
so I’m just gunna plug Ben, because I heart
Ben.
S13: If you could be a band in any musical
decade, what decade would you be in, what
would the genre be, what would you guys be
like and why?
Matt: Dude, we’d be like a church group in
1970 …Nah, I’m just kidding *smiles* I’m just
kidding, Um, we would be, probably, doing the
big hair, you know what, we’d be Guns N’ Roses.
We’d be the Guns N’ Roses of that decade and
we’d probably go back to that time, knowing all
their songs and put all that crap out, yeah…
we’re all real huge Guns N’ Roses fans we’d
probably be a band like that, they, cuz they’ve
all kinda inspired us and you know that’s one of
our many influences. We’d be dingy, we’d be that
anti-glam scene, you know, but still in that era,
in that 1980’s good, good solid….*trails off*
S13: Do you feel in today’s times, that a band
is unable to make it without the help from
technology like Social networking sites, what
do you think or feel about this?
Matt: Bands were making it without it, that
was the time where you really had to be good,
you really had to be extraordinary and not
just have everyone you know on Myspace, and
Facebook and Twitter and everyone you know
just kinda up your ass. That’s one of the things S13: If there was one band or singer you could
we pride ourselves on, we could sit at home erase from the music scene, who would it be
with a Myspace adder bot, and play counter and why?
and just kinda jack all our stats up, like even
we have 9,000 and ten friends, that’s 9,000 and Matt: *Jumping around* I’m so happy for this
10 people that came to us. That we’re like, question. I…this is such a hard question though.
we added your band, I don’t go out looking Because the person in particular, it wasn’t his
for nobody. We don’t go hey check out my fault, I’m not a particularly huge Nirvana fan,
band, like blah blah blah, I mean you know. I am not going to say anything beyond that.
In public, yeah, it’s like hey, we’re playing over Because, I like where music is now, I like where
here, come check us out. But we’re not like we fit in music now. And if it wasn’t for that
web raping people. egg head doing the you know, whiney cry baby,
3 note thing in the grunge scene we may not
S13: So you don’t have street teams? be here you know. I may have to learn zillions
of notes solos and still be part of the big hair
Matt: We do, we do use a street team, but eighties. And so you know what, I am gunna
that’s for promotion only. We don’t have a say, I am not a fan of Nirvana, but I wouldn’t
street team hit up people and go hey check erase them.
out this band, they’re on blah blah blah this
and that. We’ll have a street team go out and S13: Or you guys could have been the band to
go they’re playing at this show, this date, go break that scene open
see them and if you don’t like them, don’t add
them on Myspace, because we want an actual Matt: True, yes.
count, you know what I mean? It just feels
S13: What comes first when writing the
better to know that you know almost 10,000
lyrics…
people actually just like what we’re doing and
its honest, so.*shrugs and smiles*
Matt: *interrupts* The chicken.
S13: What is one band you would sell everything S13: *Laughs* What comes first when writing,
to tour with? the lyrics, the song title, or the music?
Matt: Now by sell everything…
Matt: What comes first is usually the situation,
the feeling. Not a lot of people understand how
S13: Like, you would just give up your life you
songs are written, unless you’re Chad Kroeger
do anything to tour with them
(Nickleback) cuz then you can just be sitting
Matt: Well, I have already pretty much given up there, like sitting on your toilet and write a
my life to be in this band, uh. *laughs* It’s true fucking number one hit. Don’t get me wrong, I
, but if we got offered
a really rad gig with
a lot of…not idols,
because we’ve met a
lot of those people. I
mean they’re people,
we’re people, we’re
all people, you know
what I mean? So
anybody whose
really influenced us.
We’d like to get on a
tour with HIM, just
because it suits what
we’re doing what
they’re doing, its just
kinda one big thing.
We’d like to get on
tour with HIM, Rob
Zombie would be
another good one, just you know, just kind of respect the dude cuz he can make a song out of
anything and make millions of dollars on it. I
anyone, just anyone that fits us, we fit them,
I am gunna plug Breaking Benjamin again, just wish I could do that, I’m jealous. I don’t hate
because I have all their songs on my Ipod, and you, I’m jealous. We’ve just gotten into sharing
I’m a big fan, and you said who would I want the writing responsibilities, cuz like I said,
to tour with, and I say Breaking Benjamin cuz everyone has had a broken heart, you know one
I heart Ben. of the songs that might have my input on it is a
song called *covers mouth with hand* you can’t
know, and it was one of those ones that hit close
to home. And we sat down, me and Norman
(Matthew, vocals/guitar) and worked it out to
best fit Murder FM. Because the way I write is
different from the way he writes, and is different
from the way J (6, Bass/Backing vocals) and the
way that you know, anyone writes, we had to
kinda sit down. And that’s where bands, should
collaborate, you know. One person brings an
idea to the table, and you see how it fits the
band, So I guess what comes first is the feeling
and then the I mean someone will be like I
gotta cool riff for that, and it all just kinda falls
together.
S13: When it comes to music there seems to be
a lot of people that are more narrow minded,
if a band doesn’t look or sound a certain way
they won’t listen to them. What is your view
on this?
Matt: Okay, that’s a tough question, because, I
am part of a band that has a uniformity to them.
I am part of a band, and we have a uniformity
to us and it’s… I am not king of the world, I’m
not king of anyone on my fucking block, you
know what I mean? Like I’m just Matt you
know? And when I hit that stage, yeah I’m Matt
x3r0 or whatever, but I still got a last name, I
still got bill collectors calling my shit, you know
what I mean? So you create a kind of, a kind
of magic. Just to use a stereotypical terms for
bands and what they do, you create a kind of
magic by all wearing the same gear, or having
the same gear, cuz then it’s like oh my god, these
dudes are like together. And it kinda takes the
focus away from what everyone else is doing
because, I see bands a lot, they’ll hang out and
they’ll do something and as soon as the song
starts, everyone kinda goes into business for
themselves. And it’s just kinda like, I am the
best bass player on the planet, and you could
be, or I am the best guitar player on the planet,
and you probably are, I’m the best drummer
ever and I play a blast beat, like fucking 900
BPM and it’s just like yeah dude, you’re freaking
awesome. But between your camo shorts, and
flip flops and Hawaiian shirt and cowboy hat,
and your all Hot Topic wear guy, and your
all blah blah blah, I don’t know who to pay
attention to. So I may have missed it ya know
what I mean? It’s just little things like that. Have
some uniformity, everyone wear black Dickies.
S13: There have been statements that you
don’t drink or do drugs, do you ever find it
hard to follow this. Do you ever feel you are
stereotyped that because you are in a band,
and have a certain “look” that people believe
the opposite?
Matt: Ok, I would like to say something here
and now. We do not preach to not drink or do
drugs, I myself have worked in a bar for a long
long time, I get people drunk, I have gotten
people wasted, I am not particularly a fan of It’s because, because I have Amp Energy Drink
the people, I am just like haha, that’s cool, later. in my life, and if you come between me and my
We’re not preaching that, that’s not a message, Amp, I’ll rip your face off. I just get pegged for
we’ve all just chosen that you know what I the asshole, I’m the dick, I’m the one that’ll tell
mean. I’d rather not have to call and deal with a you straight up. I mean, everyone will tell you
tour, a club owner on a tour, or a booking agent, straight up, but they’ll all find nice ways to do
or a label representative, or somebody high or that. I’ll tell you, dude, your fucking haircut is
hung-over, you know what I mean? If you’re stupid. They’ll be like hey man, that’s cool, hey
gunna work hard to get where you wanna be, man next time you should have them do this
then work hard and do it on a clear mind, and and like la la la, and kinda lead you into another
that’s our mindset. Anybody else, dude if you haircut. And I am just like, you look like the ass
can make it and you’re just like *Mumbles end of a rectangle, go to hell, get out of my face.
drunkenly* Good, cool, like, more power to So, telling that story, I would have to tell you
you. That’s just not the way we roll. Drink that they would probably hack me to fucking
Amp energy drink. I want my endorsement pieces and eat me first. It would be me, because
you son of a bitches, you follow me on twitter, if they didn’t they’d have to hear me talk shit to
just saying. like all the desert animals, the island animals.
Like what the fuck monkey you think you’re
S13: How exactly does Murder FM survive bad ass cuz you have coconuts? I’ll kick your ass
riding in a van and not killing each other? and skin you and eat you. I’m a shit talker; I’m a
What is the secret? fucking total bitch. But I’m a shit talker, I’ll talk
shit until you’re walking towards me, and then
Matt: We don’t, there is no secret cuz we have
I’ll run like shit.
all almost killed each other. Well I mean, the
number one thing is respect other people’s stuff. And then the interview went on with Matt
You know, I don’t want my stuff thrown around, talking about Amp Energy and how he wants
just like you don’t want your stuff thrown his endorsement and the fact that we both
around, so you know what, find a corner for have numbers for last names. All footage can
your shit, and if you don’t want anyone to mess be viewed in the video interview, located on
with it, buy a lock and whatever. And share, Inclinationonline.com. I would like to thank
you know what I mean? Because if I am out Matt and Murder FM for giving me such a
of freaking eyeliner, or face powder, or black fascinating interview. As well as a great show
paint, sorry but we’re a band, and I need it, or that night. Check them out on:
you need it, or someone needs it. And you can’t
afford to be like oh well sorry, you should have www.myspace.com/murderfmmusic
gotten your own, I got mine, I took care of my www.twitter.com/MurderFM
business. Cuz then And follow Matt at: www.twitter.com/Mattx3r0
S13: It’s bad for the band
*nods* you know what I mean? It’s
just bad business. Let’s just hang out
and be groovy, and that’s where not
drinking and doing drugs plays a big
part. Because I am just never drunk
and angry, because I don’t drink
soooo….except for Amp Energy
drink, uh. *laughs* Was that good?
That was good.
It’s be nice to each other, be nice to
everybody, Because you never know
any of the people you shit on, on the
way up, you’ll see those people on the
way back down. Enough said.
S13: If you were trapped on a desert
island, which band member would
be the first to be eaten?
Matt: Fuck! It’s me. *sighs* And then I
thought about it, ok, I have to tell you
this story to get to my answer. I’m
considered the asshole in the band.
I’m the one that, If I have a problem,
I am just gunna tell you to fuck off.
R
ising from the ashes of
Arizona’s sun-scorched
Sonaran Desert, comes
HEMOPTYSIS -  a wicked entity
comprised of a diverse group of
musicians, wielding a hybrid metal
sound.  A sound which can only
be attributed to a band that, like
its surroundings, lives by one law -
Survival of the Fittest!
There are no red carpets here.  No
Hollywood green-screen to
magically whisk you away from
harm.  In the desert you will find
no hope or salvation except that
which you create yourself.  For
Hemoptysis, every emotion, note,
lyric, and breath they emit comes
from the essence of the wasteland
most call Hell, but they call home.
Mixing elements of traditional,
thrash, death, and black metal, the
band have forged a sound all their
own.  Masaki’s uncompromising
vocals, Travis’ thunderous drums,
the monsoon of Ryan’s solos, and
Sunao’s heart stopping bass allow
Hemoptysis to move the entire metal
genre forward while maintaining its
true primal roots.
Fans, devoted to the death, swarm
the stage as if to offer their very
souls to feed off of the awesome
power that is Hemoptysis.  Each
song delivers a unique expression of
emotion.  Each fan connects in their
own way.  Attending a Hemoptysis
show is akin to witnessing an
exorcism.  The raw intensity and
unearthly power they emit must be
seen to be believed. No gimmicks,
no laser light show, just pure,
unadulterated aggression and hate!
In 2008, Hemoptysis released their debut EP, Who
Needs A Shepherd?.  The recording has received
numerous positive reviews.  In fact, heavy
metal critics unanimously agree, Who Needs A
Shepherd? kicks major ass!  The band followed up
with the Ryan Greene produced single, Shadow of
Death.  More recently, that single has been adapted
into the band’s debut full production video!
40+ Clear Channel, college, and internet radio
stations now have Hemoptysis in regular
rotation.  There were also 20+ interviews in print,
online, and on the radio in 2009.  All of this leading
to numerous endorsements, such as Jackson Guitars,
Peavey, Krank Amplification, DC California Drums,
Soultone Cymbals, Providence Cables, Morley
Pedals, Maxon Guitar Effects, and Coffin Cases.
To top it off, Hemoptysis were crowned “Metal
Artist Of The Year” at the 2009 L.A. / Phoenix Music
Awards!  Last, but not least, they will have played
their first SXSW Music Festival Showcase by the time
this article makes deadline.
First up, it’s no secret I’ve been a long time
Hemoptysis supporter.
Masaki: Thank you!
Because this interview will no doubt introduce you
to a large number of new readers, I am forced to
throw in some cliché questions. Will that be alright?
Masaki: Sure, no problem.
DEFINING HEMOPTYSIS
By Wicked D
Hemoptysis [hi-mop-tuh-sis]
–noun
1. the expectoration (coughing up) of blood
or of blood-stained sputum from the bronchi,
larynx, trachea, or lungs (e.g. in tuberculosis
or other respiratory infections).
2. an American thrash/death metal band
based out of Tempe, Arizona, featuring
Masaki Murashita (vocals/guitar), Ryan
Miller (guitar), Sunao Arai (bass), and
Travis Thune (drums)
I’m pretty sure you know which Hemoptysis
will be covered in this issue of Inclination.
We were lucky enough to catch up with
Masaki and Travis prior to the band heading
out to Austin’s SXSW Music Festival. But
before we get into the in depth interview,
let’s learn a little more about the band.
Before we get into that, I have to say
the new “Shadow of Death” official
video kicks some serious ass! 
Masaki: Thank you.
Give us the complete rundown.  Who
directed it?  Where was it filmed? 
What message are you trying to
deliver?  Did you enjoy making it?
Masaki: We worked with Big Shot
Studios here in Phoenix. They did our
friends’ video, and I saw a lot of talent
from them. I thought they would be
the ones to work with for this video.
They scouted around the locations and
found that abandoned school in South
East Phoenix. I was surprised that
they even found that place because it’s
in the middle of nowhere! As far as
the message goes, Shadow of Death is
about senseless wars that citizens are
forced to fight in.  The video portrays
people as being prisoners of war to
the constant bombardment of media
coverage of a pointless war. People
find it hard to escape from the media
assault from TV and newspapers that
makes the painful situation they are
trapped in even more painful. The
song begs to ask when will this end.
Travis: We had a lot of fun filming the
video, too!  I really enjoyed the creepy
location they found and hanging out
with our friends in Lunatic’s Vision as
we filmed the video.
Chris Cannella from Autumn’s End /
N17 is featured on guitar in the video. 
How did that come about?
Masaki: Chris is one of the guitarists
that I respect the most. His talent
is shown on all his promo videos
for Jackson Guitars as well as guitar
clinics for Jackson all over the U.S. and
Europe. We thought he would be the perfect fit with
us to showcase our talent and musicianship.
It seems like every metal website, blog, and news
agency has picked up on it.  Do you feel the money
spent to make the video has paid off through
promotions alone?
Masaki: Absolutely. We never keep the money we
make in our pocket. All the money we recoup from
the shows, CDs and merchandise sales goes straight
into the next band investment. The video cost us a
lot of money, but it is definitely helping us gain more
exposure and attention.
Do you mind if we place the video on the Inclination
website for our readers to enjoy?
Masaki: Please. We appreciate any exposure we can
get.
OK, cliché time!  Let’s talk about that name.  Rumor
has it that a band member’s wife came up with it?
Travis: My wife, Stephanie, is a pharmacist who
specializes in infectious diseases.  We were trying to
come up with a one word band name that no other
band had.  We were brain storming for months and
nothing worked.  It had all been done before.  I asked
Stephanie if she had any cool, gory, medical terms that
we could use for a band name.  She pitched several at
me; a lot of them were disgusting, some having to do
with fecal matter.  Then she said, “Hemoptysis.”  That
Masaki: Absolutely. We never keep the money
we make in our pocket. All the money we recoup
from the shows, CDs and merchandise sales
goes straight into the next band investment. The
video cost us a lot of money, but it is definitely
helping us gain more exposure and attention.
Do you mind if we
place the video on the
Inclination website for
our readers to enjoy?
M a s a k i :  P l e a s e .
We appreciate any
exposure we can get.
OK, cliché time!  Let’s
talk about that name.  The songs on the EP
Rumor has it that a
band member’s wife
came up with it?
Travis: My wife,
Stephanie, is a Masaki: I am mainly
pharmacist who
specializes in infectious
diseases.  We were
trying to come up with
a one word band name
that no other band
had.  We were brain
storming for months
and nothing worked.  It
had all been done before.  I asked Stephanie if
she had any cool, gory, medical terms that we
could use for a band name.  She pitched several
at me; a lot of them were disgusting, some
having to do with fecal matter.  Then she said,
“Hemoptysis.”  That was the coolest sounding
one and it had an awesome definition!  It means
coughing up blood.  We all fell in love with it
and that was it!
Masaki and Travis founded the band in 2007,
correct?  How did the two of you meet?
Masaki: Correct. Travis and I met through our
mutual friend in the Spring of 2007.
Travis: I was playing my drums in a little
10’x10’ storage space.  I became acquainted
with the drummer of another band who was
practicing in the same complex.  Masaki and
I were introduced and it went well, but I had
a very small practice space and he didn’t have
an amp big enough to make himself audible
over me playing my drums.  A couple months
later he called me up.  He had new professional
gear, a big new practice space and another
guitarist.  He suggested we start a band.  We
jammed once more to make sure we would click
and we did!  The song we worked on that day
became the title track to our EP, “Who Needs
A Shepherd?”
Like a majority of bands, there have been
personnel changes.  What’s the scoop on past
members?  Why did they leave?  Are you still in
contact with any of them?
Masaki: They were not as serious as we are. We
are still in touch with them. We wish the best
to them.
Travis: Yeah.  Masaki and I started the beginning of a metal song so the following week
band.  Sunao has always been our bassist.  But I picked up the recorded sermon knowing that
when it comes to lead guitarists, we had three one day I would be in a band and this would be a
before coming upon Ryan.  The first guitarist great set up to an anti-Christian song.  The song
was just not a right fit for the band and the also inspired the album’s artwork.  I gave the
other two lead guitarists after that just weren’t idea to Evil Dave at Incision Tattoo in Glendale
as serious as us.  And actually, Masaki wasn’t Arizona of a lion representing Satan devouring
Jesus as Jesus’ sheep
ran away and Evil
Dave tweaked that idea
to make it so much
better - a huge valley
of skulls representing
the Christians instead
of sheep.
are a wicked blend
of Thrash and Death
Metal.  Who are some
of your influences?
influenced by old
school thrash.
Travis: I started out
with thrash but I am
basically a death metal
guy now with some
thrash influences at my
core.  Sunao listens to
just about everything
and Ryan listens to just about everything too,
our original singer!  There was a singer before
but mostly progressive death metal.
him, but after he left, Masaki tried singing and
we loved it!
How were the songs created?  Does one member
Ryan Miller (lead guitar) is the newest member.  write the music/lyrics or is it a group effort?
How did that come about?
Masaki: I mostly write the riffs and show it to
Travis: When we knew we were going to lose our the band and if they all think it’s cool, we start to
third lead guitarist, we started brainstorming work on it. I wrote all the music on Who Needs
about who would be a good fit for us.  We heard A Shepherd? Travis and I both write the lyrics.
of Ryan Miller through some friends who said I am looking forward to working on the new
he was a real shredder and bad ass guitarist material with Ryan Miller. He has an amazing
with experience in death metal.  They weren’t talent and I am really excited about it.
kidding!  Ryan Miller is awesome!  I’m so glad
The song ‘Shadow of Death’, from the EP, was
he agreed to play in our band!
re-recorded as a single, produced by Ryan
Let’s talk about the ‘Who Needs A Shepherd?’ Greene, and mastered by George Marino. 
What’s the story behind that?
EP.  Where was it recorded?
Masaki: It was recorded by Steve Conley (F5) at Masaki: I was Ryan Greene’s assistant at his
his home studio studio for about a year. Not only did I learn a
lot of recording techniques from him, but also
What is the meaning behind the title of the EP I learned a lot of things about what it takes to
and what does the cover art have to do with make it happen in this industry from him. He
it? put 100% effort on everything he does, and I’ve
Travis:  The theme of the song came from witnessed significant difference in the band
the title of the sermon you hear playing at the after they worked with Ryan. Obviously, he is
beginning of the song.  I was forced to go to an incredibly talented producer/engineer, and I
church when living with my parents and I was respect him a lot. It was my dream to be able
sitting in the congregation over ten years ago to work with him. He definitely brings bands
when this was recorded by the church.  The to the next level and the experience we can get
church would record sermons to tape and from him is priceless.
give them out the next week for free.  When Travis: We wanted to do a video for Shadow
the priest said what he says at the beginning of Death but the lead guitar parts that we were
of this song I wanted to jump up and scream, playing on that song were actually a lot better
“Hell yeah!” because what he said made it clear than the original recording.  We wanted to re-
that Christians are weak and people who don’t record the song for the video.  Masaki had the
need Christianity are strong.  At that time I
totally envisioned that part of the sermon at the (continued on Page 34)
Ronny Robinson
Just Another Boy
(Self Released)
Ronny Robinson’s (formerly of Chicago’s
“Witroy”) independently released single,
“Just Another Boy”
exceeds expectations.
This melancholy ballad
like track showcases
his incredibly somber
finger picking folk
style acoustic guitar
playing and his soft,
soulful vocals. One
might easily compare his style to that of
the late Elliot Smith, but with vocal tone
similar to Matthew Sweet. “Just Another
Boy” exhibits the artist’s ability to project
a real connection to the song. It’s bound
to leave masses of ladies wondering if the
song was written about them or someone
they know…in an existential sense. As
far as the male listening audience, they’ll
either love it or hate it. Men who are in
touch with their emotional sides, whom are
able to break through the testosterone, may
find that they’ve experienced those same
feelings that come pouring out of Ronny
Robinson in this tearjerker of a wounded
heart melody. As for the other 10% of guys
out there, who will undoubtedly consider
this song, “Sappy”, they should consider
such past artists’ works as Paul Simon, Todd
Rundgren and John Lennon. There’s a time
to rock out with your cock out, and a time to
spill your heart out onto the floor. Let’s face
it men, you’ve all been “Just Another Boy”.
A winner in our book, Ronny Robinson is
bound for greatness with this sneak peak of
his talented guitar strumming and touching
vocals. Ronny will be performing his solo
acoustic songs live at the Double Door
Dirt Room on May 4th. Keep an eye on this
one, his writing strength will take him to
great places. To hear his music visit: www.
myspace.com/RonnyRobinson. (CL)
✪✪✪✪
Humanizer
s/t
(Self Released)
From a city known for its birth of new genres
comes yet another band defining their own
Audio Files
sound, and while Humanizer may look to
✪ Poor ✪ ✪ Fair ✪ ✪ ✪ Solid ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Great ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Epic
Manchester legends for inspiration, you album really makes me think had Chuck
cannot accuse them of imitation. There is Schuldiner survived, this could have been
a perfect blend of rock, techno and synth- the direction that Control Denied took. As
pop that all together takes you in a hypnotic much of a fan of Chuck’s as I am, this album
state to another place with tracks like “A is much better than the Control Denied
Fine Farewell”, and has you getting your record. (GR)
groove on with “The Manifesto is Over” ✪✪✪✪
or even make you “Getcha Waffle On”???
“Arthur Brown Gets Me Down” has all the The Bled
potential of being a chart hit and should Heat Fetish
be the song that introduces the world to (Rise)
them as it has that sublime indie feel with Looking back over the past 14 years, it is hard
a sprinkle of commercialism that keeps it to believe how vast Converge’s reach has
cool enough stretched across the horizon of bands that
to not join the have followed. The Bled are basically another
ranks of pop. in a long, long line of bands that have worn
Between the their Converge-worship of maniacal metal
genius that riffing coupled with emotionally tortured
makes this vocals. Actually, in this case, I suppose that
band and the comparison is a bit unfair. The Bled do what
passion that they do very well, almost to the point where
drives them, it’s I find myself
not surprising bobbing my
that they’re already gaining attention from head alongside
the Manchester industry royalty, so hop on their manic
board before the train takes off without you. delivery without
Humanizer could very well become a word being aware
as common as Radiohead and Muse before that I am doing
too long. www.myspace.com/humanizer. so. This being
(LM) my first full
✪✪✪✪ blown exposure
to The Bled, I can say that while they aren’t
Charred Walls Of The Damned doing anything terribly original in the
s/t grand scheme of things, they are pretty
(Metal Blade) darn talented at doing what they do. If
This album is an excellent release written you find bands like The Esoteric, Dillinger
by the mastermind of the the band and Escape Plan and As I Lay Dying to be your
awesome drummer, Richard Christy. The preference, you’ll do well by garnering your
album is extremely tight with a modern- very own copy of Heat Fetish. (BR)
meets-old school metal sound. All aspects ✪✪✪
of the band are done by veterans of the
metal scene, Fear Factory
except the Mechanize
guitarist. I have (Candlelight)
never heard of Clearly, having Dino back in the band has
him, but damn worked wonders. The guitars are thick and
can this guy heavy with well placed melodies and the
album is much more aggressive than the
shred. From
the insanely last few releases. Adding Gene Hoglan
fast to melodic, doesn’t hurt as he is tight as nails, keeping
his soloing with the tradition of following the picking
skills are disgustingly good. The vocals patterns with the bass drums. This is by far
are handled by Tim “Ripper” Owens who the best Fear Factory has offered the metal
does a wonderful job and at times has a bit community! It crushes past efforts handily
of a Ronnie James Dio tone to him. This with the devastating heaviness of the guitar
and bass and Ihsahn and play real
all around After thrash without
fantastic (Candlelight) selling metal
combination of Ihsahn paints this release with an extremely out and boy, has
the heavy, fast broad brush as this is the most experimental that payed off
and melodic release of his thus far. The album ranges on this album.
riffing. Burton from beautiful passages to blistering black It’s amazing to
C. Bell sounds metal and even some jazz-infused metal due see that a band
better than ever to the addition of a saxophone player. This can be together
on this effort. thing is all over the place musically but was for decades
His low growls/yells haven’t lost a step and put together so and still manage to put out one of their best
his transitions into the clean vocals sound well that it flows albums yet. Kids, if you wanna know how a
tough. BEST Fear Factory RECORD very organically real thrash album sounds, then just put on
EVER!!! (GR) start to finish. this bad Larry! Thick, heavy, fast and brutal
✪✪✪✪✪ The vocals is the motto here. Bobby Blitz has still got
run between the screams. His vocals sound as great as
Cave In his trademark they did back when The Years Of Decay came
Planets Of Old black metal out. D.D. Verni still has the best bass sound
(Hydra Head) style vocals and in metal, crushing on this record, keeping
Listening to this latest Cave In release has me very well sung the heavy flowing! The leads are hectic and
thinking back into the past and how many clean vocals. Fans of the more progressive blistering. This is the best release since The
times I’ve felt burned by this band over the end of extreme metal are going to love this Years Of Decay for sure! Overkill are metal
years. From the two mediocre performances one. I think Opeth fans will deffinately need legends and prove why on this offering. If
I witnessed upon the release of Creative to check this one out. (GR) you can’t bang your head to this, then you
Eclipses to cringing at the sounds of their lone ✪✪✪✪✪ should see a doctor cause you have some
major label release, Cave In has always been a serious problems! (GR)
tale of what could have been for me. In recent Immolation ✪✪✪✪✪
years, Cave In’s Caleb Schofield has come Majesty And Decay
up with Zozobra and two subsequent LPs (Nuclear Blast) High On Fire
of unquestioned power and heaviness. So, Evil sounding and complex riffing paint an Snakes For The Divine
with Planets Of Old, would Cave In harken atmosphere of complete darkness. The dual (Koch)
back to their more metallic roots or continue guitars are heavy and create some demonic I have always liked High On Fire. To me,
to explore their true identity? From the few sounding passages that paint bleek images they always managed to land somewhere
listens I’ve given this latest EP, it feels like a in my mind. For anyone familiar with between flashing moments of brilliance
weird mesh of Immolation, this isn’t suprising but what really and sounding like they were reaching for
Creative Eclipses, caught me about this album is the drumming. something. In other words, good albums were
the last Zozobra It is phenomenal! Ex-Gutted drummer Steve to be expected,
LP Birds Of Prey Shalaty puts on a clinic and shows what it’s like but they had not
and occasional to be a creative drummer and still be really yet delivered
nods to The in tune with their “magnum
Beatles. It is kind what’s going on opus”. Consider
of a strange brew in the stringed Snakes For
and I admit to section of the The Divine
having a bit of band. Much like that opus of
trouble deciding how well it all fits together. the way Robert magnumosity.
From a personal standpoint, I have long since Vigna’s solos Production-
given up on Cave In ever returning to any form are controlled wise, you will not find a heavier album in
of the group that I once bled. Still, Planets Of chaos, Steve High On Fire’s catalog. Everything pounds
Old turns out to be a decent collection of new Shalaty comes its way through the speakers with reckless
music that is nothing groundbreaking, but it up with some insane patterns to back the abandon, but what really draws this album
does the job well enough. (BR) riffing that are wild yet tight, paying attention out are the drums, sounding like the battle
✪✪✪ to every little detail of the beats he creates. cry for Armageddon. The opening title track
Though past drummers were up to the task, it starts like a march into the deepest recesses
seems that with Steve Shalaty they have made of Hell. After an 8-minute pummeling,
sure to strengthen all aspects of the band. Frost Hammer follows immediately behind
(GR) with easily the most aggressive song of the
✪✪✪✪ album. From there, the album alternates
between all out aggression and slower
Overkill tracks of epic heaviness, never ceasing to
Ironbound maintain its overall prowess. Gentlemen…
(Koch) High On Fire now have their own personal
Overkill are one of the very, very few thrash Reign In Blood. Bravo! (BR)
bands that came out in the 80’s and, without
a break up, managed to stick to their guns
✪✪✪✪✪
 I do have to start with this disclaimer, due to
the topic of discussion here, while I am writing
under the pseudonym Doctor Robert, I am
not a doctor, in no way should you consider
my opinion an official medical opinion. Just
consider mine, the opinion of a well read
and somewhat informed spiritualist on the
topic of hypnosis as a form of alternative self
exploration and empowerment.

Susan Randich is a certified Hypnotherapist

magicalhealingarts.com. Susan lives in New
Lenox, IL, that’s near Chicago for those who
don’t know. I know that she enjoys doing
trans-life hypnosis work. I thought it would
be valuable to Inclination’s readers to talk
with Susan about hypnosis, music, and
trans-life regression. If nothing else I would
learn a little more about what music works
best for trance induction. I decided it would
be fun to have a destination interview so she
and I attended a Moser Woods and Lotus
concert at the Vogue in Indianapolis.

I am very interested in altered states of

consciousness most especially those achieved
with out chemical assistance. I am rather
interested in those states attained through the
disciplines of meditation and other kinds of
deep induction such as hypnosis can create.

Hypnosis is a growing area of interest

for alternative health treatment and
mind enhancement enthusiasts as well as
spiritualists from a variety of backgrounds.
Would you allow yourself to be hypnotized
if you knew it would facilitate you achieving
your hearts truest desires? Or would you
feel uneasy about handing over your will to
another person. Susan Randich confided in
me that it is important that you be able to
trust anyone who is working with you in this
way. She tells me it is important that you feel
at ease so that you can trust that who you
are working with will guide you in the way
that you have requested of them. She also
emphasized the person must be at ease so
that the hypnotic operation will be successful.
You’ve maybe heard the old adage “You can’t
make someone do what they don’t want to
do”.

Susan Randich and I met in Fort Wayne, IN

and drove together down to Indianapolis to
The Vogue Theatre. On our way I asked her
a few questions:

DR: So please tell Doctor Robert and the

Susan Randich of Readers what it is you do?

Magical Healing Arts SR: Sure I am a board certified

Hypnotherapist and I specialize in past
life regression, Life between lives and
Interview by Dr. Robert other various modalities such as pain
management, behavior modification and
sports enhancement.
DR: So Inclination online being a music-
based magazine I want to ask you as a
hypnotherapist what kinds of music do
you look for when preparing for a client
session?
SR: Well every client is somewhat different,
as an individual, and each goal is somewhat
different of course. So I try to tailor the
music to the client so that the can achieve
the best state of hypnotic trance so they can
relax and find what it is they are looking for
in the session.
DR: I know our readers can’t hear it in
print so I want to point out how soothing
and calming Susan’s Voice is… (thank
you) So when you are finding that trance
state do you find there are better types
of sounds or textures that are better for
achieving those states…For someone out
there who’s looking to achieve these states
on their own? Would you recommend that?
And is there a kind of music that would be
best for that?
SR: I have found something that flows and
is fairly smooth nothing with anything
sharp in it. Pieces that are about 6 minutes
and/ or 8 minutes flowing from one to the
next are best. These are best because we
are aligning with the different stages one to
the next and the first stage is getting them
to relax and the following is the deepening
which I like to call “the floating stage” and
the music should then help them to lift up
and out of associating with the physical
body. The music helps to infuse them and
hold them in that state without allowing
them to fall…well…to sleep.
DR: So you are using the music or so the
music can aid both in the relaxation
process of achieving the trance state and
maintains the trance state by keeping them
from slipping into oblivion..so to speak.
SR: Exactly… so they don’t go too far.
DR: Can you share with us any artists that
you like to use in your practice or that you
have used in your practice.
SR: There are. Jonathan Goldman is my
favorite. His music really works. And I use
his music also to do energy healing. I also
do energy healing.
DR: By energy healing do you mean
Reiki?
SR: Yes I use it with Reiki and I do Ruach
also.
DR: What is Ruach exactly, is it similar to
Reiki?
SR: Its very similar. Reiki is based for the
most part anyways in Japanese energy
theory and Ruach is based in the Qabalistic
Form or western mysteries.
DR: So can you use these in conjunction
with your hypnotherapy?
SR: Yes, Absolutely, Very effective.
Particularly for pain management and also
for past life regression...its nice light energy
cleansing first before we go into the trance
state that we want to achieve to actually
find that past life or those past lives…so if
you cleanse and clear their energy and their
aura first they’re much more open and it
just sort of cleans of the dust or dirt so to
speak.
DR: So when you started your practice,
did you find a lot of people are interested
in this and the combination?
SR: Yes in both, yeah!
DR: I have to put you on the spot would
you be willing to post on our website a
short guided meditation for our readers to
listen to an easy guided trance induction
as a taster…and if people like that they
can call you or contact you through your
website if they wanted to go beyond the
training wheels and get on the real bike.
SR: Yes they could
DR: For our readers we are on our way
to hear Moser Woods (www.moserwoods.
com) open for Lotus (www.lotusvibes.com)
at the Vogue Theater in Indianapolis. This
is a super fun destination interview and
we will let you know what we think of the
show and have the final words then.
(As a venue the Vogue reminds me a little of
the Double door in Chicago said one fan of
Moser Woods that I spoke with between songs.
I would see more shows there, it was just the
right atmosphere, definitely comfortable, at
least this night. Our server was fantastic.
Oh yeah and one more thing that made
driving to Indianapolis worthwhile, drinks
were cheap, cheap, cheap…and I mean cheap
compared to Chicago for sure! We picked up
a couple CDs from the bands and a couple
t-shirts, support the peeps. We got a photo
of Susan with the Drummer from Moser
Woods.)
On the way home:
DR: Well Sue this has been a lot of fun we
saw Moser Woods open for Lotus I enjoyed
the space…so what do you think of the
music?
SR: It was beautiful..something that most
people don’t experience really.
DR: Right, most people are so about the
vocals and the written word and they don’t
get to experience a lot of the instrumental
stuff…
SR: Yeah and that kind of music brings
you to a place where instead of listening
to the words you create your own scenario
and your own story that goes with that
music…
DR: I agree…I was really interested to
see the following that both bands had…I
think for spirituality and enlightenment
meditation I would be inclined to gravitate
towards Moser Woods…Lotus was great
too…I would use Lotus for like a party to
play in the back ground..Which would you
be more inclined to use in your practice?
SR: Probably Moser Woods..That music
would be useful to bring someone into that
place of quietness and stillness of their mind
and there were a few songs that I would
even use to stir them back to consciousness
…Its good to use music that sparks the
conscious mind and some of their music
would be very good for bringing someone
back to reality without it being a shock...
because we know reality can be difficult.
DR: Yeah it can be Jarring..
SR: Yes..(soft laughter)
DR: I think we had a great evening and I
want to thank you for spending the evening
with me and sharing what you do and how
music works alongside it with our readers.
SR: Thank you for sharing your time with
me.
DR: We are including your link below along
with you taster on the Inclinationonline
page, if our readers would think they
would like to listen to that as well.
SR: Absolutely and they can always look at
Magical Arts at Magical Arts.com “Magical
Arts where healing starts.”
magicalhealingarts.com
 10
1. What was the last concert you went
to?
Juliette: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @
The Echoplex
Jules: BRMC @ The Echoplex.
2. Who would you most like to record
a song with?
Juliette: BMRC, QOTSA, and Neil
Young.
Jules: I would love to record a song
with Jimmy Page.  Juliette: The head of a record company
3. What are you reading right now?
Juliette: Breach of Faith: Hurricane
Katrina and the Near Death of a Great
American City by Jed Horne, Ayn
Rand Capitalism.
Jules: Sea of Glory (true story about
American naval exploration in the
19th century).
4. If you had one day left to live, what
would you do?
Juliette: I’d jump up and down
cursing fate and the un-fairness of
it all. Then I’d try to go have some
fun, call my mom and dad, then start
jumping up and down screaming
again. then hopefully find time to
laugh cynically at the irony of it all:-)
Jules: Eat Drink Smoke, and then if I Jules: Love New Orleans Cuisine and was having too much fun to realize it.
woke up the next day. Same thing :D
5. Who would you say is the most 7. Where in the world would you most polka-dotted pink button down :-)
underrated musician in the History of like to visit?
The
Same
Old
Firebug’s Jules and Juliette
By Lissy MacmIllan
Rock N’ Roll? Juliette: Berlin
Juliette: Billy Gibbons Jules: Kathmandu
Jules: Tom Waits 8. What was the last song you listened
to?
6. What’s your favorite meal?
Juliette: Long Distance Call by Muddy
Juliette: Chicken Vesuvio, Chicken Waters
Schwarma, and Caldo De Pollo.
Jules: Boring by The Period
9. If you could be someone else for 24
hours, who would it be and why?
or a powerful music manager so I could
promote all of the music that I like…or
a powerful politician, so I could repeal
all of the draconian smoking bans that
have sprouted up around the country,
restore freedom of choice for smokers
and non-smokers alike, restore private
property rights, and fire all of the
haters who lurk around behind the
scenes with our stolen tax dollars.
Jules: A great chef, so I can eat well
all of the time and make other people
happy.
10. What has been your biggest
fashion faux pas?
Juliette: I don’t know. One person’s
fashion faux pas is another’s magical
creation Fashion’s all about having fun
and if I’ve ever made a fool of myself, I
anything Italian especially in Chicago!
Jules: Pink Elvis wig, pink slacks, and a
Klover’s Film Corner
N
obody notices when we leave.
I mean, the moment when we
really choose to go. At best
you might feel, a whisper or
the wave of a whisper, undulating down.
My name is Salmon, like the fish. First
name: Susie. I was 14 years old, when I was
murdered on December 6th 1973. I was
here for a moment, and then I was gone.”
And this is how the story begins…
A few years ago I tried reading Alice
Sebold’s best-seller, The Lovely Bones, but
had a hard time with the content because
as a child, one of my greatest fears was of
being kidnapped.
When I heard that The Lovely Bones was
coming to the screen, I had my doubts. The
most special thing about the story is the
unique first person perspective narration,
something that could prove really difficult
to translate in a movie. But then I learned
Peter Jackson would be directing and I had
faith!
Most people equate Jackson with The Lord
of the Rings Trilogy, but I remember his
first recognized work, the haunting and
beautiful Heavenly Creatures. Creatures is
the film that put Kate Winslet on the map,
and was our first introduction to Jackson’s
genius. Similar to Bones, Heavenly
Creatures deals with death, life and the
complexities of youth, proving he’s skilled
when creating this world.
The Lovely Bones was riddled with
controversy before shooting began, which
oftentimes leads to a failed production.
However, I firmly believe Jackson made
the best decisions that proved right for
his movie. Originally Ryan Gosling (2007
Oscar® Nominee, Half Nelson) was slated
to play the role of Jack Salmon, the father of
the fourteen year old main character Susie
Salmon. But just days before shooting was
set to begin, Gosling was replaced by Mark
Wahlberg. Rumors swirled that Gosling was
fired for gaining too much weight for thee
darkness. Meanwhile, Susie finds herself
trapped between heaven and earth, waiting
for closure. Now this is where Jackson’s
abilities with fantasy come out. The world
where Susie now lives is both beautiful and
scary. Beautiful because it’s pure freedom,
but scary for her, knowing her murderer is
still out there walking around freely.
Susie uses everything she can to reach out
from the beyond, to help her father figure
out what happened to her - and it takes
quite a long time. During those years of
uncertainty, Jack and Abigail, fail each
other and their remaining children, but
keep steadfast with their fight for the truth.
Jack’s strength seems deeper than Abigail’s,
who leaves the family in an attempt to heal
on her own. But support comes to Jack in
the place of his eldest daughter Lindsey
(Rose McIver) and the police detective
who was first assigned to Susie’s case, Len
Fenerman played by a touching Michael
Imperioli. Det. Fenerman too stays faithful
to the case, for years trying to uncover clues
that will point him to who’s responsible for
Susie’s death, but it takes the unwavering
love of a father and sister to finally unravel
the web.
For his part, Tucci plays creepy yet
approachable the way only he could, and
it wasn’t a surprise that the Academy
recognized this role with a Best Supporting
Actor nod at this years Oscar® ceremonies.
You fear his character, yet you understand
why a smart Susie would have wandered
off with him, leading to the end of her life.
His penchant for knowing what “kids”
need and want, makes adult skin crawl,
but allured her teenage self into his very
well-planned and perfectly executed trap.
He’s overly confident in his skills, yet as the
years pass he too starts to break down, as
Susie touches him from the other side.
I’m not going to give anything away, because
after seeing this movie I know that if I tell
too much the experience will be ruined. I
will say that what held my heart so tightly
was the love between a father and his child.
Nothing could keep Jack from helping Susie
be at peace, not even the distance between
heaven and Earth - and as a daughter who
loves her father, I believe it! The magic that
Jackson created for The Lovely Bones was
magnified by actors who brought these
characters to life, from a story that Alice
Sebold poured out from a place of purity. I
highly recommend The Lovely Bones - for
not only will it tug at your heart, but you’ll
be holding your breath waiting to see what
happens next, wanting nothing more than
peace for the Salmon family.
“There was one thing my murderer didn’t
understand; he didn’t understand how
much a father could love his child.” - Susie
Salmon
(continued from Page 27)
hook-up with Ryan Greene and Ryan Greene
made the song so much better than we had ever
imagined!  Then when it came to mastering,
we didn’t want to try to save money on such
an awesome recording so we went with the guy
who mastered some of the best CDs out there,
George Marino!
Are there plans to re-master the entire EP?
Masaki: I would love to re-record the whole EP
with Ryan Miller.
Travis: We would love to re-record the EP, but
we are more focused on getting new material on
a full length CD.
The band took some time off last month to write
songs, correct?  When should the world expect
the first full length release from Hemoptysis?
Masaki: We finished writing most of the songs.
We are just wrapping up the few things and
start pre-production with Ryan Greene. I hope
we will be able to release it this summer.
Will the new CD include any of the songs off
the EP?
Masaki: Ryan Greene already produced Shadow
of Death so it will be on the full length since we
haven’t released it for sale yet. Other than that,
we are discussing the possibility of re-recording
a song or two from the EP, but we will see.
Travis: There are definitely eight or nine new
songs or so that weren’t on the EP that will be
on the full length.
What have you learned from recording ‘Who
Needs A Shepherd?’ and what will you do
differently when recording the full length?
Masaki: We grew up a lot as musicians since
we recorded the EP through all the experiences
we’ve had. We were nothing when we recorded
that EP and did not know much about the
industry. However, we now know exactly what
we need to work on before we hit the studio,
and we learn something new every time, so I’m
excited about the new experiences for the full
length.
What can you tell us about the Arizona metal
scene?
Travis: The Arizona metal scene is alive and
is starting to grow despite the recession and
hard economic times.  People in bands are
starting to get more serious about the business
side of being in a serious metal band so the
competition is increasing. Standards are getting
higher for quality musicianship.  And even
though the competition is getting more serious,
it is a friendly competition and bands, even
from different genres of metal, are supporting
each other more than ever.
What sets Hemoptysis apart from the other
bands in your area?
Masaki: We are a unique blend of thrash and
death metal.
Travis: We are like a buffet of metal, as Ryan
puts it.  We have thrash and death metal
elements,  but you also hear melodic death
metal and black metal at times.  We don’t
limit ourselves as far as sound goes, and yet
everything still sounds like Hemoptysis!  It’s
something you start to understand from “Who
Needs A Shepherd?,” but you understand even
more when you see us live and hear songs that
are not on the EP.  beast and we figured we could have our fans
Are you trying to deliver a specific message to
the world or do you just want to melt faces and
make eardrums bleed?
Travis: We have a message sometimes and
sometimes we don’t.  Sometimes we have a
message to send about something we are strongly
against or frustrated with and sometimes we
have songs that are just sick fantasy!  We always
want to melt faces and make eardrums bleed
though!  Hell yeah!!!
Hemoptysis have been the featured artist on
numerous music websites as well as being
named Phoenix Music Awards ‘2009 Metal
Artist of the Year.’  Who determines the winner
of such a contest?  Also, has it opened any new
doors for the band?
Masaki: Phoenix/LA Music Awards chairman
Al Bowman determines the winners. He called
me last year and I was told we were selected
as Metal Artist of the Year. We had submitted
the EPK through Sonicbids, and it was the
first major gig we got through Sonicbids. It
definitely opened many new doors for us, like
endorsements, and we hope to see more success
from it in the future.
You have accumulated an impressive number
of endorsements in a relatively short period of
time.  How did you land the deal?  Any advice
for other artists seeking endorsements?
Masaki: We are working hard every day, non-
stop. We sent them the press kit and we earned
the endorsement. All the interviews, features
and reviews are proof that we are a real deal.
There is no such a thing as a free meal. It’s
always give and take, and the companies have
to have reasons why they sponsor you, so you
have to think about how you can contribute to
the companies you get support from.
I am particularly interested in how you came
up with some of your fan interaction contests. 
What’s the story behind ‘Name The Beast’ and
‘Hemoptichicks’?
Travis: We were referring to the character in the
album artwork as many different names and we
wanted to keep using its fierce and inspirational
presence in the band.  We wanted to name the
help us out and win prizes at the same time!  The
winner named the beast, Vetis.  If I remember
right, Vetis is the demon of corruption in
demonology.  As for the Hemoptychick contest
goes, we had been getting some cool, sometimes
sexy, pictures of female fans sporting something
of Hemoptysis.  We figured we could make a
contest out of it and give prizes to our fans as a
way of thanking them for supporting us. 
As this interview hits deadline, Hemoptysis will
have played their first SXSW Music Festival
Showcase.  How did you make that happen?
Masaki: We submitted our EPK through
Sonicbids. Honestly, I did not think we would
get selected since SXSW is not really known for
Metal, so I was surprised when I got the e-mail
from them and they informed me that we were
selected.
SXSW is definitely not known for extreme
Metal, do you think Hemoptysis will have a
problem fitting in?
Travis: Hemoptysis will have no problem fitting
in because SXSW is a buffet of music just like
we are a buffet of metal music! 
Will the band be doing any sight-seeing in the
Great State of Texas or is this strictly a business
trip?
Travis: We won’t have a lot of time for sight-
seeing, unfortunately, because we cannot afford
to stay long.  Money is too tight.  It would
be nice to taste some authentic Texas BBQ,
though!
What else is in the near future for
Hemoptysis?
Travis: Tour!!!  Definitely tour!
Masaki: Yup. That’s what we all are looking for!
Just for fun!  Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin?
Masaki: Sabbath!
Travis: SABBATH!!!
Any final words or shout-outs?
Travis: Thank you to all our supporters!  Without
our fans we are nothing!!! We hope to come to
Texas again and hit more cities really soon!
Masaki: Thank you all for the support! I can’t
wait to tour and get to meet everybody all
around the world! Please spread the word about
us and hope to get to see you all soon!
Thanks guys, you freaking rule!
Travis/ Masaki: Thank you!
 Written by Dr. Robert

W
hile trying to decide stereotypical segregation of the queer accept anything other than their ideas
who to feature in the community as a whole I asked him his of beauty. I like to stretch my ideas
first Queenzilla column thoughts on the divide. “The queer about what that is and hopefully it will
I considered many community as a subculture is full of its stretch the minds of others as well.”
personalities some of which I am excited own discriminations and segregations.
to be featuring in upcoming columns. I mean if you go to a bear bar people Trevor Recently began promoting his
But, for the first LGBT column for treat you one way and if you go to a pin up show which Trevor tells us is
Inclination online magazine I wanted pretty boy bar they treat you somewhat an ode to Joe Dallesandro
to feature someone who embodies another. I’ve really ,a famous male-model, discovered
not only the Queer Culture at large never by Andy Warhol. Joe Dallesandro is
by way of lifestyle but also someone possibly the most famous male model
who boldly represents individuality ever, instrumental in the
and fierce self expression. There assimilation of male
is only one Trevor Wayne. If you images into the mass
don’t know who Trevor Wayne market and bringing
is you will and so will a whole about the acceptance
bunch of people who have no of the objectification of
idea that a giant is emerging. the male body. Trevor
Trevor Wayne was born in Wayne’s Pin Up Show
Northwest Indiana and grew much like Trevor himself
up in a small town called is on the cutting side, much
Cedar Lake. Growing up he like Little Joe’s images
also related strongly to the Trevor modeling work
punk rock personalities and challenges perceptions. All
being inked. As a young gay you have to do is look at the
man when he came out and images and you can recognize
began hanging around the a bravery and a courageous
gay clubs of Halsted Street challenge to the world to
in Chicago he found question male beauty and for
that being inked he was that matter beauty in general.
treated as an outsider. Clive Barker the visual genius
At first he figured that behind Hellraiser and Night
the hardcore punk Breed (one of Doctor Robert’s all
rock community time favorites) says, “Trevor Wayne
would shun him as is one of a kind. Talk about fearless!
well. It turned out A new paradigm in male beauty.”
that the hardcore Trevor will be featured in Clive’s new
punk community of book The Imagining Man. When
Chicago was much more inclusive I asked Trevor about how it feels to
than the genteel queens of the heavily have a creative giant like Clive Barker,
gay Chicago community of Lakeview. understood say something like that about you,
That was alright by Trevor as his any of that. The types of Trevor shied about an answer. Trevor
first crush was on a purple mo-hock assumptions that are made if you have explained that through his life for better
adorned playgirl model whom he kept ink…Like some people have actually or for worse he has had to grow a thick
a photo of for years. Eventually Trevor
told me I have ink just to seem more skin and while it protects him from
moved from Chicago and is now in LA butch or masculine…and I just look at the ignorant nasty remarks of the ever
where he couldn’t be happier. it as a form of self expression and kind dwindling few it has also afforded him
of art. It never occurred to me that it an unfortunate distance from some of
While talking with Trevor about these was anything other than a legitimate the affirming recognition he has been
formative years and the division and form of art. But people don’t want to showered with over the years. He
tells me he doesn’t take compliments
well. “everything sort of rolls off my
back both good or bad because..you
know…I can’t accept the good without
the bad and since I don’t want to accept
the bad so if someone appreciates it
that’s great but I can’t let it go to my
head.” I find him very gracious and
full of goodwill. Trevor seems in a
difficult and challenging world he
has maintained the preciousness of
who he is. Trevor acknowledges his
supporters and also doesn’t want to
take himself too seriously.
Trevor explained a little to me about
his views on nudity. He says there is
something transcendent and special
about nude images. He explained that
we recognize it in classical art and as a
general culture we miss it in modern
art. He cites the example of the classic
David sculpture by Michelangelo.
Trevor hopes that through The Pin Up
Show he can get people to see the art in
his images as he recognized the art in
the old Male Physique photography of
the 1940s and 50s. “It’s a little bit risky
because you’re more likely to get work
if you don’t have nudes out there,” he
confided. Trevor Wayne’s Pin Up Show
is no series of buck lusted web cam
shots. Trevor’s photos are captured
by some amazing talent, credits
include: Eric Schwabel, Clive Barker,
Henning Von Berg, Michael Stokes,
John Roecker, Thai Tai, Austin Young,
Van Darkholme, Kaeden Stone… and
featured art by Angus Oblong. This is
hardly some exercise in vanity. When
you look through Trevor Wayne Pin-Up
Show it is a study in the conventions of
male beauty and a stunning challenge
to the status quo. “A lot of people don’t
realize that most models don’t own
their own images.” “I thought what if I
could pull this off and what if I owned
some part of the images?” Brilliant
and inspired, Trevor is also buzzing as
an artist with his Pop Art Show.
A good friend of
Trevor’s, curator
Lenora Claire,
came up with the
idea for the Golden
Girls Gone Wild
and encouraged
Trevor to do some
art for it. Trevor
put together a
mash up piece as
a prototype and
was planning to
redo it. It depicted
the Golden girls
as Super Heroes
we’ve pictured it
here in the article
for you. From that
was born the Trevor Wayne Pop Art
Show. With its growing popularity
Trevor has been excited to extend the
collection. One of my favorites is
Eddie Beale of the documentary Grey
Gardens, as it is captioned with Drew
Barrymore’s exceptionally delivered
line, ‘You see, this is the best look for
the day, you know?’ Also only from
the mind of Trevor Wayne is a series
of studies of nudes where the penis
has been replaced by a breast on the
male figures and the female images are
depicted with their asses turn around
to the front. His art show is aptly
named with its very Pop cultural feel.
It is the best look for the day.
Trevor Wayne has a merchandise
store with unique and brilliant items
if you may find yourself wanting a
piece of Trevor. A lot of the captions
are provided by the talented Deven
Greene.
I asked Trevor what’s next for him and
he mentioned that he is still acting.
Trevor Wayne is not content to remain
idle while working his way toward
idol. Trevor will also be featured in
Bruce La Bruce’s new Zombie Porn
“LA Zombies”, the sequel to “Otto: Up
with Dead People” a story about a gay
zombie. Albeit Trevor will not appear
naked, which Trevor finds amusing
considering the timeliness of the
Trevor Wayne Pin-Up Show. Trevor
has also been cast in a web series by
Jon Roeker show called Svengali which
he is having a lot of fun with, you can
find that at http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=9ygTq_YR0gQ.
“If you like Strangers with Candy you’ll
love it,” Trevor tells us. Its starring
Tim Armstrong of Rancid and Jane
Wiedlin of the Go-Gos.
One thing is for sure Trevor Wayne is
an idiosyncratic powerhouse. Trevor
Wayne is one of a kind. We love Trevor
Wayne at Inclination online magazine.
Trevor is our Queenzilla for April
2010 because Trevor is challenging the
cowardice of those who refuse to see
beauty outside their own shallow ideas
about it. Trevor bravely acknowledges
beauty everywhere it exists and that
has allowed him the freedom to
express his own unforgettable flavor of
gorgeous. To Trevor we say, “You go
gettem’ Trevor! Your natural grace is
shining through in everything you’re
doing. Keep up the great work Trevor
Wayne we’re watching.”
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