Fast-forward to present day, with several recording and many years of live gigs under their belt, Totem sounds better than ever.  On their latest release, the band’s thirst for musical exploration has been combined with a well-honed sense of song-writing.  They have a knack for creating something slightly unconventional, and unexpected.

Totem’s self-titled EP, which was recorded at 37’ Productions by Sean McLaughlin, can be found on the band’s website and on bandcamp.  I highly recommend that you check out Totem’s recorded music, and definitely get to a show if you can.

Totem is:
Gary Alex: Guitar- Vocals- Words
Dave Kaslauskas: Vocals- Words
Lee Alex: Bass-Vocals
Mark Matta: Guitar- Vocals
Doug Reilly: Drums

www.totemband.com
www.facebook.com/TOTEMpage

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There music is heavy and driven, and their songwriting is mature, yet fresh. Al Diaz brings power and unique presence to the songs’ vocals, which really makes the band’s music stand out above many others in the Northeast music scene.

Be sure to stay tuned for more music, as Kanerko is gearing up to hit the studio in March 2011 to record their next release.

Kanerko is:
Alvaro Diaz – Vocals/Congas
Anthony Palumbo – Guitar
Kevin Marz – Bass
Nick Iddon – Drums

Bio:
Stemming from the Northeastern corridor of the United States of America, comes four individuals who pride themselves on delivering their loud and unapologetic brand of heavy Rock N’ Roll. Collectively they are known as KANERKO.

Lead by Al “Mahoney” Diaz (vocals), who brings nothing but pure energy and passion to the stage. With lyrics fueled by love and life’s everyday obstacles. His unique and melodic way of expressing himself and his vocal chords is a sight to be seen. Anthony Palumbo (guitar) with his less is more attitude, has plenty to bring to the table. Strumming away violently as if possessed by the music. Anthony delivers that distinct Kanerko sound that leaves listeners begging for more. Holding down the low end is Kevin Marz (bass) who brings forth a ground shaking and heart pounding bass sound. His larger than life persona and even larger sound is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Where would Kanerko be without their most explosive member Nick Iddon (drums). Nick rounds out the quartet bringing forth a controlled chaos of many different drum beats and funks grooves, making for a complete and amazing rock spectacle!

Kanerko has shared the stage with national acts: Type O Negative, Trivium, Hurt, Sponge, Seemless, RA, All That Remains, Sick Puppies, Ankla, Kilgore, Brand New Sin, Danko Jones, and Nonpoint. Kanerko has also had the privilege of recording with Life Of Agony’s Joey Z in his METHOD OF GROOVE STUDIO in Brooklyn New York. Kanerko has also recorded in Damage Studio’s with mastermind Pete Rutcho (Unearth, Seemless). Their debut CD SHOWTIME was co-produced by Unearth’s and Kingdom of Sorrow’s Derek Kerswill.

www.kanerko.com
www.facebook.com/kanerko

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Adam Taylor is currently offering a free download the song “Mrs. Mistletoe” on his website.  Be sure to check it out!

Bio:
Adam Taylor is a Pennsylvania poet with a guitar, whose old school soul can be felt through his visually quirky, socially conscious lyrics and ragtime inspired folk-pop. Channeling the spirit of Bob Dylan, Taylor defies his youth with his timeless confidence and renegade attitude. His debut EP, Play the Piano Drunk, was produced by Adam’s older brother and mentor, LIVE founding member Chad Taylor. Unlike his brother, the younger Taylor brings a wryer approach to his music, literate like his idols Charles Bukowski and Saul Williams, yet still boyishly brazen. Listeners will discover Taylor’s breath of influence such as Donovan, The Zombies, Saul Williams, and Tom Waits.

Taylor recorded his debut EP Play the Piano Drunk while finishing his senior year of high school. “The Box” written in three parts takes an intimate look into contemporary society, poking holes in America’s televised obsession. “Painting Leprosy” marries early rock n’ roll with ragtime swagger a la Scott Joplin, whereas “Story of The Sea-Green Sky” rages with jealousy. The lyrical overtones throughout the seven songs reflect a range of moods from boyish brashness to “Clockwork Orange” strangeness. Unafraid of melodrama, each song takes the listener on a theatrical excursion of wide dynamic range, a trait rarely found in modern music. “I think many of the songs share a bluegrass or folk lineage,” muses Taylor. “Where they feel upbeat but tend to have more meaning than a shallow pop song. If you look beyond the catchy melodies there is often a greater depth.”

Play The Piano Drunk has Taylor collaborating with studio musicians who each bring a new dimension to the EP. Paul Murr (Drums), Mike Giblin (Bass), Adam Kontis (Guitar), Brent Burgee (Piano) all adhere to Taylor’s unique fascination with folk infused pop music. With longtime friend and touring partner, Kate Young, lending her Baez-like pipes, the two have traipsed across the country playing at festivals such as the Milwaukee Summer Fest. Adam is looking forward to going back into the studio to complete his debut LP.

Adam Taylor Music can be purchased through his website at: www.adamtaylormusic.com

Upcoming Shows:

DEC 4 – The Tin Angel – Philadelphia, PA
DEC 6 – Ephrata Main Theatre – Ephrata, PA
DEC 7 – The Pour House Music Hall – Raleigh, NC
DEC 9 – Lexington Brewery – Asheville, NC
DEC 10 – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta Room – Atlanta, GA
DEC 14 – The Basement @ Grimey’s – Nashville, TN

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Guitarist/vocalist Sarah Kollett took a break from preparing to launch Grand Evolution’s first U.S. tour and spent a few minutes speaking with me about their new album and upcoming tour.

Type 3 Media: What about your new album are you most proud of?

Sarah Kollett: I’m most proud that we got it finished.  Because it had been through so many hands, I didn’t think it was ever going to get finished. There are a few songs on there that I really think are good and probably catchier than any of the stuff we released previously.  We have a line-up change with this record.  It’s been different, but I think that I like it more and it goes with the name Grand Evolution; evolving, changing people, growing as a band.

T3M: How would you describe how the sound of this album compares to your previous releases?

SK: It’s definitely different.  The other records were more guitar oriented, a lot of lead riffs.  This time we added a lot of keyboard and the songs are based on the riff rather than chord progressions with lots of leads over them.

T3M: What the biggest challenge you faced putting this album together?

SK: We ended up working with a couple producers who just wanted our money and didn’t do the job.  We tried not to start over, so we just took the same project, and it went through so many hands.  We had people trying to edit it that didn’t know how to edit.  The hands that it went to did a job screwing it up, so we had to repair it.  That’s where Sean McLaughlin, Chris Thomas, and Jason Elgin came in and did an excellent job saving what they could for us.  It’s a good record, good songs.  If I had the chance to redo it with somebody who cared, I would.  I think the songs could be more than what they are, but it still came out really good.

T3M: Where can people buy the album?

SK: Physical copies will be available at our shows.  They’re available through out Web site grandevolution.com.  I don’t think they’re on iTunes just yet, but should be shortly.  We also have T-shirts and stickers.

T3M: Soon, You’re embarking on your first U.S. tour; what are you looking forward to about hitting the road for the first time?

SK: Sleeping on people’s floors… no.  I’m looking forward to seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time.  Minneapolis is where all of my musical influences came from, so I’m really looking forward to playing there.  Jason Elgin is down in Birmingham, AL, and I’m looking forward to having him come out to a show, because he hasn’t seen us yet.  Chicago should be a great show.  We’re doing our last tour stop in New York City.  It will be fun because none of the guys have driven a trailer before, so we’ll see how that goes with the parking.

T3M: How long is the tour and how many stops?

SK: It’s going to be September 17th until October 3rd.  We’re playing every date except for Sunday, September 26th.  We’ve never performed that many days in a row.

T3M: Do you have any strategies planned to save your voice?

SK: I’m hoping that when we get off stage I can go to the merch booth for a little bit, sell some CDs, then just go sit in the car and let the guys do the loading out.  I tend to talk after shows because a lot of people come up to talk to me.  I’m going to try not to scream above the volume of the bands and save my voice.  I’ll probably try some zinc drops and tea.   I’ve heard that pineapple juice is a great thing, and even Coke.

T3M: How did you get into music?

SK: I went to see the Cranberries when I was thirteen, and was like ‘oh, I think I want to play guitar.’  Then I went to see Soul Asylum and was like ‘that’s what I’m going to do.’  It was definitely Soul Asylum that got me into it.  I don’t think I ever would have picked up a guitar or got involved with it if I hadn’t seen them.  We actually got to play with Soul Asylum in 2006 in New York.

T3M: You mentioned your influences from Minneapolis, who are they?

SK: The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, are in my top 10 favorite bands.  The Replacements… I like all that stuff.

T3M: Any closing thoughts?

SK: Come out to our CD release party on September 17th at The Ruins in Providence, RI, with The Candace Brooks Band and The Luxury.  We’re doing a give-away, everyone that comes will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to see Aaron Lewis of Staind.  We’ll also be showcasing our video for “Suicide Girl” that our guitarist produced.

Personnel:

Sarah Kollett – guitar, vocals
Scott Kenyon – drums
Jeremy Carnrike – guitar, background voclals
Zachary Keene – bass

Releases:

If You Only Knew – 2006
All We Have Is Now – 2008
The Recovery – 2010

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With a keen sense of songwriting and energetic performances, this Rhode Island band is one of the best currently playing the New England club circuit, and a gem just waiting to be discovered.

Bio:

Jeff Byrd and Dirty Finch are an alt-country / roots-rock band out of Rhode Island that have been playing relentlessly all over the Northeast. Their southern style twang and infectious hooks and melodies are causing quite the buzz amongst fans and critics alike. Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch are currently recording a new album to be released in 2010.

The band has performed at such venues as: Sullivan Hall, Arlene’s Grocery, Trash Bar, and Uncle Mike’s in New York.  The Blackstone, The Bon Vue, AS220, Jerky’s, and The 201 in Rhode Island.  Church, Bull McCabes, Sally O’Briens, McGanns’ Pub, The Raven as part of the’Wormtown Hoedown’, and the Hard Rock Cafe in Massachusetts.

Jeff Byrd and Dirty Finch’ were featured artist at both the ‘New England Americana Festival’ and the ‘International Pop Overthrow Festival’ in Boston, as well as the Keene Festival in New Hampshire and the ‘Freedom Festival’ & ‘Hempfest’ in Harmony, Maine. They will also be performing @ The Precinct in Boston for ‘Gram National 2010′, a festival celebrating the life of Gram Parsons.

They were also selected as one of the artists to play the 40th anniversary of Gap stores in Smithfield, Rhode Island and their songs ‘Probably Maybe’ and ‘Draggin’ Bones’ were selected through Reverbnation as free downloads made possible by Microsoft. Jeff also performed at the Jeff Buckley birthday celebration at the Metro & Uncommon Ground in Chicago in 2002.

Instrumentation:

Jeff Byrd – Lead vocals, Guitar
Dan Simpson – Guitars
Steve DelTufo -Drums, Percussion, Backing vocals
Shawn O’Brien – Bass

www.jeffbyrddirtyfinch.com
www.myspace.com/jeffbyrdmusic
www.facebook.com/jeffbyrddirtyfinch

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Type 3 Media: How did you get started in music?

Cory Lamb: I’ve loved to sing my whole life.  A friend was in a band, needed singer, and asked me to sing in a talent show.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it.  I was terrified because I had never done anything like that before.  I did it, and it just sparked.  I was like “this what I have to do for the rest of my life.”  I ended up in a band named About Last Night and played with them for about a year or so.  I really got my feet under me playing around Little Rock.

I also wanted to become a producer at one point, and through some friends I have in Nashville, I ended up working for a producer named John Guess.  I was an intern with him, and that turned into making a record.  I did that and it just kept evolving from there.  Almost ten years later, I’m still doing it; creating music that’s better than before.  I like production, but the writing is more of what I love to do. Performing and being an artist.

T3M: Tell me about the band you put together.

CL: The new songs that we’ve written are almost done, and I really can’t wait to be finished with mixing and mastering.  The new songs have really evolved from where it was five or six years ago.  The sound is getting better and it’s really exciting.

T3M: Where do you find your inspiration when writing songs?

CL: I grew up listening to classic rock; Boston, Chicago, all those bands.  Then I started listening to pop later in my teens.  It kinda comes from modern pop and classic rock.

T3M: When will the album be finished?

CL: I don’t know exactly when, but we’re shooting for a release in the fall, and we’ll also be touring at that time.

T3M: What is the crowd response like when you perform live?

CL: It’s been awesome.  When I put on a live show, it’s a full-blown rock show.  You’re going to get the energy, the power, and the attitude… everything that you want when you go see a rock show.  I’m waiting for this new stuff to be out so I can see what the reaction is.

T3M: Have you had any moments when you wonder, ‘how did I get here’?

CL: I have that just about every day.  It’s a pretty amazing thing to be able to do what you love to do.

T3M: Where is the best place to find information about you and your music?

CL: www.corylamb.com or myspace.com/corylamb or facebook.com/corylamb. We’ll have some new songs up in the near future, so watch out for that.

T3M: Any closing thoughts?

CL: Thank you for interviewing me.  I can’t wait to get out there and tour.  Please come out and have a good time.

Bio:

Intoxicating lyrics with a powerful beat is what you think of when you hear Cory Lamb’s music. The music is contemporary rock with a production sophistication rarely found from today’s emerging artists.

Cory is not only a lead singer but a songwriter. Cory’s music is personal and relatable, telling life stories that brings back memories for virtually anyone who listens: there is a reason for that – many of the songs are about his own life, for that matter everyone’s life. “Tell Me That It’s Over” which Cory co-wrote talks about a relationship he was in but wasn’t sure where he stood with his girlfriend, and “Kate” another song he co-wrote, is a song about the perfect girl.

Growing up in a tight knit family in Arkansas helped form the basis for his music and sound. Cory can’t remember when he wasn’t singing and has always known that he wanted to be a musician. Like most musicians and singers, Cory performed for his family in their home until he joined a band at age 16. He was the lead singer of a band named “About Last Night,” and co-writer for some of their songs.

After high school graduation, Cory moved to LA to work with John Guess, a music engineer with years of experience and Grammys under his belt for his work with the Dixie Chicks. John has also worked with Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, Reba McEntire and many others. Cory applied for a studio internship with John, but instead of an internship, Guess sign on to produce Cory’s album. Cory was on the fast track to his dream.

After his first album, of which many songs were written without his input, he decided to put a band together thus beginning the development of his own sound. Cory’s Musical Director and Guitarist Alex Knoll and Co-Guitarist Tak Tanaka created the foot for the band that would later include Devin Lebsack (Drums) and Dylan Wilson (Bass). After meeting Andy Duncan, Cory knew Andy should produce the album and the production team was established. The songs are as complex as they are amazingly entertaining. The chemistry between Cory and the band is remarkable, both on-stage and in the music. Two years of working in LA and fine-tuning his music, playing local clubs in Southern California and opening for Ryan Cabrera, Cory has decided to base his music in Arkansas. Cory explains that some of his best songs were written based on his experiences in Arkansas and he wants to stay connected to the community. After being on the road for so long it feels good to “come home.”

Cory’s musical style has been established and his musical team is in place. In combination with Alex Knoll and Devin Lebsack, the band delivers a high impact sound and incredible energy required by Cory for his stage performance. Cory’s work ethic is evident in all aspects of his music and he works to perform his best show every time he steps on stage.

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Sick Electric has a great sound, and more importantly, a unique approach to song-writing.  Their music is smart and complex but accessible.  It’s character hints at diverse influences like Dead Kennedys, Piebald, and Filter.

Sick Electric is now on top of my list of local bands that I’m eager to see perform live.

Biography:
Sick Electric formed in 2005 in Fall River, Massachusetts as a trio with Johnny Laundry (guitar/vocals) Buffalo (drums) and Jimmy Lazer (guitar/vocals). With the eerie backdrop of the mill city (home of Lizzie Borden, and the Fall River cult murders) to inspire them, they self released their first 4 song EP in December ’05 entitled Nuclear Winter, Endless Summer.

Following two DIY tours, the band hunkered down to release their first full-length album in 2007 appropriately titled Haywire. Reoccurring themes of nuclear fallout, decapitation, gore, and surfing populate both albums, settled in amongst an amalgam of punk, metal, and math rock.

Later in 2007, following the release of Haywire, Sick Electric recruited long-time friend and radio personality Pat Accident to play bass and the band set out on their third U.S. tour to promote the album. Upon their return they began working on their full-length follow-up, titled Death by Electrocution. Displaying their burgeoning pop sensibilities, the album is Sick Electric’s most straightforward and focused effort to date.

Sick Electric are currently working on their next music video and finishing up writing for their new 7-inch.

Check out the music video for “Again, Red-handed”:

http://www.myspace.com/sickelectric

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Biography:

Aneurysm June is a NYC based alternative rock band formed by Cesar F. (Spain), Benj (France) and Mat Manhammer (France). Equally influenced by the American grunge, the European rock and flamenco, the band’s originality relies on the use of flamenco scales over edgy rock and the intense use of dynamics in their songs, which allows the co-existence of super fuzzed guitars with clean arpeggios. This is often used in the music of Aneurysm June to express the bipolar themes of their lyrics, that are carefully crafted both in English and Spanish. They self released their first album “Strawberries on the asphalt” in digital format in September 2009.

“So here we are the Europeans in America practicing the no-bullshit policy of looking normal onstage and make the music we want to hear. Somebody told us once that the fate of an original band is almost always heartbreaking but hey…whether you like our music or not, download or purchase the songs, buy or steal the CD we don’t really care because remember: music comes first.” ~ Cesar

Instrumentation:

Cesar F. (Vox, guitars)
Benj (Bass)
Mat Manhammer (Drums)

Discography:

Strawberries on the Asphalt EP (2009)

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Vocalist Leslie King has a great stylistic rage.  She’s able to flawlessly execute on any sound Bardo creates, from punk to country infused pop-rock.e

Talent and great music make Bardo a really exciting band, and there’s not telling just how far they’ll go.

Biography:
The punky pop rock sounds of BARDO come to you from the belly of Los Angeles. Where the rubber meets the spit that slimes the road to the stars. Where the desolate desert touches the sparkling pacific. Where gurus and lawyers do lunch and art and commerce get married and divorced on a daily basis. We spawn from this arena of sun and scum and….we like it here!

BARDO is the creation of front woman Leslie King. Having been in the Los Angeles singer songwriter scene for a number of years, King decided to branch out and follow a long time pull to explore her voice in the rock arena. Although BARDO started as a fun experiment, it soon became a powerful platform for King both as a performer and songwriter. It became clear to her and everyone around her that she had found her home.

Partnering with long time friend and collaborator Rich Jacques (Producer) BARDO’s sound quickly formed and launched onto the rock and roll landscape in 2008 with the release of their first album “Recurring Dream”.

Here, King rediscovers her voice and aptitude for rock and roll as front woman to BARDO, which is, no question, a welcome addition to the rock and roll landscape.

BARDO’s second EP is due out this spring and their new single “You Like Me A Lot” has already hit the market.

Instrumentation:
Leslie King – Vocals & Guitar
Chuck Lee Bramlet – Bass
David Green – Guitar
Jano Janosik – Drums

Discography:
Recurring Dream – 2009

Links:
www.bardoband.com
www.myspace.com/bardobardo

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Be sure to pick up a copy of The Sky Life’s latest CD, Roots and Wings, which was released this past October.

Biography:
THESKYLIFE have a brand new album and a sterling new single that will absorb you and instantly grab your ear. “Roots and Wings” is introducing itself to the world by way of the song “Reflective eyes,” which epitomizes the dare-you-to-pigeonhole us pop rock of THESKYLIFE.

“Reflective eyes” folds together a number of musical aspects – alternative, singer-songwriter, acoustic and poptronica, indie and more – into a brand new creation. The song is a poignant, melodic excursion into the hearts of Justin Carter, Bobby Kuhl, Dwight Werbicki, Daniel Hooft and Josh Steffen – the artists that make up the membership of THESKYLIFE.

Both organic and electrically charged, brimming over with ambiance, personality and emotional resonance, “Reflective eyes” dips into the tender feelings of the human heart and boasts music to complement. It reveals a batch of songcrafters interested in winning fans – but not through sizzle-for-a-second cutout copycat music.

Rather, THESKYLIFE is focused on rich melodies and thoughtful lyrics meant to bring out something special in the listener. Far from the typical rock out and sing along music, THESKYLIFE’s songs are intended to cause reflection, inspiration and emotional intensity.

Structurally, this is accomplished through a careful melding of ambient synths, piano, guitars and percussion which, according to THESKYLIFE, “belt out their own songs and lyrics, thoughtfully crafted to connect.”

Instrumentation:
Justin Carter – Vocals/Guitar/Synth/beats
Bobby Kuhl – Piano/Backing Vocal/Synth
Dwight Werbicki – Bass Guitar
Josh Steffen – Drums
Daniel Hooft – Lead Guitar

Discography:
The making of a city – Released in 2004

Dimes and Discourses – Nov.7th 2008

Lights and Electricity, christmas ’08 – 2008

Roots and Wings – Oct.16th 2009

Links:
www.myspace.com/theskylife

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