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Sunday, June 30, 2024

Who Dat? Painted Scars

 


Painted Scars is a brand new heavy hitting hard rock band that was fully formed in April 2023.

They recorded their first single “Life and Alive” in July 2023. The single was recorded at home by the band members and sent to an audio engineer in Germany for mixing and mastering.

It received very positive reviews by local magazines and social media outlets.

As a try-out show, they organized a mini festival “Scarfest” in their home base in  Erpe-Mere, Belgium. The festival took place in August 2023.

The show, being a great success, triggered a series of follow up shows in the same year.

The band is known for their high energy show that leaves first timers with a deep impression. Heavy riffs and blazing guitar solos, combined with melodic choruses provide the crowd with a mix of head banging and sing along moments.

In July 2024, Painted Scars will release the third single from their upcoming EP 'Kintsugi', accompanied by an exciting music video on YouTube. The full EP is set to drop August 17, 2024, coinciding with the second edition of Scarfest.


Hear em at https://youtu.be/6Alko3sF0IU?si=TFShc9o-uWKnoies

     

As a try-out show, they organized a mini festival “Scarfest” in their home base in  Erpe-Mere, Belgium. The festival took place in August 2023.
The show, being a great success, triggered a series of follow up shows in the same year.
The band is known for their high energy show that leaves first timers with a deep impression. Heavy riffs and blazing guitar solos, combined with melodic choruses provide the crowd with a mix of head banging and sing along moments.

Band members

 Jassy ‘Hyacien’ Blue – Vocals

 Kevin De Brauwer – Backing vocals & Guitar                   

 Yannick Rottiers – Guitar

 Jens Van Geel – Bass guitar

 Bram Vermeir – Drums




 

Follow Painted Scars

Stay connected with Painted Scars on their social media and music platforms:

Linktree: linktr.ee/paintedscars

Facebook: Painted Scars

Spotify: Painted Scars

Instagram: @painted_scars_band

YouTube: Painted Scars

Website: www.painted-scars.be



Everything you wanted know about guitar strings but were afraid to ask



What do guitar strings do?

Guitar strings are essential to producing sound on the instrument. Here’s how they work:


1. **Vibration**: When you pluck or strum a string, it vibrates.

2. **Sound Production**: This vibration causes the surrounding air to vibrate, creating sound waves.

3. **Pitch Control**: The pitch of the sound depends on the string's tension, mass, and length. Thicker, longer, or looser strings produce lower pitches, while thinner, shorter, or tighter strings produce higher pitches.

4. **Amplification**: On acoustic guitars, the body amplifies the sound. On electric guitars, pickups convert the string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified.



Overall, guitar strings are crucial for generating and controlling the instrument's sound.

What were the earliest guitar strings made from?

The earliest guitar strings were made from **animal intestines**, specifically from sheep or other livestock. These "gut strings" were the standard for string instruments for centuries due to their ability to produce a warm and resonant tone.


### Historical Timeline of Guitar Strings:

- **Ancient Times**: Strings made from twisted animal intestines, commonly used in lyres and early lutes.

- **Medieval to Baroque Period**: Gut strings remained standard for lutes and early guitars.

- **19th Century**: Introduction of metal-wound gut strings for improved durability and sound.

- **20th Century**: Development of steel strings and synthetic materials like nylon, leading to the strings used in modern guitars today.



These innovations provided more consistent tone, increased durability, and facilitated the development of contemporary guitar music.

Does the string material and thickness make a difference to the sound?

When should I replace my guitar strings?

Can I put electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar and vice versa

You can physically put electric guitar strings on an acoustic guitar and vice versa, but there are important considerations and potential drawbacks for each scenario:


### **Electric Strings on an Acoustic Guitar:**

- **Material**: Electric strings are usually nickel or steel, designed for magnetic pickups. Acoustic strings are often bronze or phosphor bronze, optimized for acoustic resonance.

- **Sound**: Electric strings will produce a quieter, less resonant sound on an acoustic guitar because they aren't designed to drive the guitar's top as effectively.

- **Tension**: Electric strings are generally lower tension, which might result in lower volume and a different feel.

- **Possible Issues**: Reduced volume and clarity, potentially less satisfying tone.


### **Acoustic Strings on an Electric Guitar:**

- **Material**: Acoustic strings are made for their resonance in the guitar’s body and often don’t interact as effectively with electric guitar pickups.

- **Sound**: Acoustic strings might produce a dull or less defined sound on an electric guitar, especially through magnetic pickups.

- **Tension**: Acoustic strings are typically higher tension, which might feel stiffer and can be harder to play.

- **Possible Issues**: Poor sound quality, especially with magnetic pickups, and increased tension which could impact playability and the guitar's neck.


### **Overall Considerations:**

- **Sound Quality**: Each string type is optimized for its specific guitar type and designed to enhance the sound and performance of that instrument.

- **Playability**: Different tensions and materials can affect playability, tuning stability, and overall feel.

- **Experimentation**: While it’s possible to mix and match, results may vary. If experimenting, monitor the guitar closely for any changes in tone, tension, or playability.

Does boiling guitar strings renew them?

Boiling guitar strings can temporarily rejuvenate them, but this method has limitations and potential drawbacks:


### **Pros:**

- **Removes Grime**: Boiling can clean off accumulated dirt, oils, and debris, restoring some brightness to the sound.

- **Temporary Improvement**: Strings might regain some clarity and sustain.


### **Cons:**

- **Temporary Fix**: The improvement is usually short-lived. The strings will soon lose their renewed sound and might degrade faster.

- **Material Stress**: Boiling can weaken the metal, especially if done repeatedly, leading to reduced durability and increased breakage risk.

- **Potential Corrosion**: Exposure to water, especially if not dried thoroughly, can accelerate rust and corrosion.


### **Method (If Attempting):**

1. **Boil Water**: Use enough water to fully submerge the strings.

2. **Boil Strings**: Boil for about 10-15 minutes.

3. **Dry Thoroughly**: Pat dry with a cloth and allow the strings to air dry completely before restringing.


### **Alternative Recommendation:**

Instead of boiling, it’s generally better to replace old strings with new ones. This ensures consistent sound quality and playability. Regularly wiping down strings after playing can also help extend their lifespan.




Everything you wanted to know about guitar picks but we're afraid to ask

 

Picking it.....

A guitar plectrum, commonly known as a pick, is a small, flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings of a guitar. Typically made from materials such as plastic, metal, or wood, plectrums come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to suit different playing styles and tonal preferences. They allow for more precise and articulate playing compared to using fingers alone.

What were the earliest guitar picks made from?

The earliest guitar picks, also known as plectrums, were often made from natural materials such as tortoiseshell, bone, ivory, and wood. Tortoiseshell, in particular, was highly valued for its flexibility and durability, but its use declined due to conservation efforts to protect tortoises. Other materials like bone and ivory were also used but faced similar issues regarding sustainability and ethical concerns. As technology advanced, these natural materials were largely replaced by synthetic ones like celluloid and various plastics.

Why do some guitarists prefer to pick the strings with their fingers?

Some guitarists prefer to pick the strings with their fingers for several reasons:


1. **Tonal Variety**: Fingers can produce a wider range of tones compared to picks. The flesh, nails, and different finger angles create varied sounds.


2. **Control and Dynamics**: Fingerpicking offers more control over dynamics and allows for nuanced, expressive playing.


3. **Versatility**: Using fingers enables techniques like hybrid picking, fingerstyle, and thumb picking, allowing simultaneous plucking of multiple strings and intricate patterns.


4. **Comfort and Preference**: Some players find fingerpicking more comfortable and natural, aligning better with their playing style and musical genre. 



These reasons make fingerpicking a preferred choice for many guitarists, particularly in genres like classical, folk, and certain styles of jazz and blues.

What are the advantages of using a guitar pick over using fingers?

Using a guitar pick offers several advantages over using fingers:


1. **Speed and Precision**: Picks allow for faster and more precise playing, especially when playing rapid alternate picking or complex solos.


2. **Consistency**: A pick provides a consistent attack on the strings, resulting in a more uniform sound across different notes and chords.


3. **Volume and Clarity**: Picks can produce a louder and clearer sound, which is beneficial in settings where the guitar needs to cut through a mix, such as in rock or metal bands.


4. **Durability**: Picks reduce wear and tear on the fingers, particularly the nails, which can be beneficial for extended playing sessions or performances.


5. **Articulation**: Using a pick can enhance articulation and emphasize specific notes or rhythms, which is useful in genres that require distinct, sharp attacks.



Does the thickness and material of a guitar pick made a difference?

Yes, the thickness and material of a guitar pick significantly affect the sound and playability. Here's how:


### Thickness:

1. **Thin Picks (0.38 - 0.73 mm)**:

   - **Sound**: Produce a lighter, brighter tone with more flexibility and less attack.

   - **Playability**: Easier for strumming and rhythm playing, offering more give and less resistance.

   

2. **Medium Picks (0.73 - 0.88 mm)**:

   - **Sound**: Offer a balanced tone, suitable for both strumming and lead playing.

   - **Playability**: Versatile and can handle a range of playing styles.


3. **Thick Picks (0.88 mm and above)**:

   - **Sound**: Provide a fuller, warmer tone with more volume and sustain.

   - **Playability**: Preferred for lead playing and precise picking, offering less flex and more control.


### Material:

1. **Plastic (Celluloid, Nylon, Delrin, etc.)**:

   - **Sound**: Varies widely; celluloid offers a warm tone, while nylon can produce a softer sound with less attack.

   - **Playability**: Each type of plastic has different textures and flexibility, affecting grip and playability.


2. **Metal**:

   - **Sound**: Produces a bright, cutting tone with a lot of sustain.

   - **Playability**: Very rigid, offering little to no flexibility, suitable for aggressive playing styles.


3. **Wood**:

   - **Sound**: Provides a warm, organic tone with a natural feel.

   - **Playability**: Generally stiffer than plastic, can be less durable over time.


4. **Tortoiseshell (historical)**:

   - **Sound**: Known for a smooth, balanced tone with excellent flexibility.

   - **Playability**: Highly prized historically but now largely replaced due to conservation issues.


5. **Composite Materials (e.g., carbon fiber, Ultem)**:

   - **Sound**: Can vary, often designed to mimic the best qualities of natural materials.

   - **Playability**: High durability and consistency, often preferred for their specialized characteristics.


The choice of pick thickness and material allows guitarists to tailor their tools to their specific playing style and desired sound.


When should I replace a guitar pick?


You should replace a guitar pick when you notice the following signs:


1. **Worn Edges**: If the edges of the pick become rounded or uneven, it can affect your playing precision and tone.

   

2. **Cracks or Chips**: Any visible damage like cracks or chips can weaken the pick and potentially break it during use.


3. **Loss of Grip**: Over time, the surface of the pick may become smooth and slippery, making it harder to hold securely.


4. **Change in Tone**: If you notice a change in the tone or attack that you don't like, it might be due to the pick wearing down.


5. **Deformation**: Picks can become warped or bent out of shape with prolonged use, affecting their performance.


Regularly inspecting your picks and replacing them when they show significant wear ensures consistent playability and sound quality.

Why do I lose so many guitar picks?

Losing guitar picks is a common issue among guitarists due to several reasons:


1. **Size**: Picks are small and lightweight, making them easy to misplace or overlook.

2. **Frequent Handling**: Picks are frequently set down in different places during practice, performance, or even while taking breaks, increasing the chances of losing them.

3. **Slippage**: Picks can slip out of fingers and fall into hard-to-find places like between couch cushions, under furniture, or into the sound hole of an acoustic guitar.

4. **Portability**: Many guitarists carry picks in their pockets, bags, or cases, where they can easily fall out or get mixed up with other items.

5. **Inconsistent Storage**: Not having a dedicated place to store picks can lead to them being scattered around various locations.


To reduce the loss of guitar picks, consider using a pick holder, designating a specific storage spot, and checking pockets and common areas where picks might fall or get misplaced.

What if I swallow a guitar pick?!

If you accidentally swallow a guitar pick, it's important to stay calm and consider the following steps:


1. **Assess Your Symptoms**: If you feel immediate pain, difficulty breathing, or choking, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling emergency services.


2. **Monitor for Discomfort**: If you do not experience any immediate distress, monitor for symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, which may indicate the pick is causing an issue.


3. **Seek Medical Advice**: Even if you feel fine initially, it's wise to contact a healthcare professional for advice. They may recommend an X-ray or other diagnostic measures to ensure the pick is not causing harm.


4. **Avoid Self-Treatment**: Do not try to induce vomiting or use other home remedies to remove the pick yourself. This can lead to further complications.


Most small objects that are accidentally swallowed can pass through the digestive system without causing harm, but it’s crucial to get professional medical guidance to ensure your safety.

Caught In A Mosh!

 The Act of Moshing and the Moshpit at Heavy Metal Concerts



Moshing is a form of dance characterized by aggressive physical contact, typically found at heavy metal and punk rock concerts. Participants, known as moshers, engage in this activity within a designated area called a moshpit, often positioned close to the stage. Moshing can involve pushing, shoving, and slamming into others, creating a chaotic yet exhilarating experience for those involved.


 Origins and Evolution of Moshing


The origins of moshing date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, emerging within the punk rock scene. The term itself is credited to fans of the band Bad Brains, who used the word "mash" to describe the dance style. This later evolved into "mosh." Early punk bands like Black Flag and The Misfits played a significant role in popularizing this intense form of audience participation. As punk rock influenced the development of hardcore punk and thrash metal, moshing found a new home in these subgenres. By the mid-1980s, it had become a staple at metal concerts, particularly within the burgeoning thrash metal scene.


 Moshing Beyond Metal


While moshing is most commonly associated with heavy metal, it is by no means exclusive to the genre. Punk rock, hardcore punk, and even some alternative rock and electronic dance music events have seen the practice. Bands such as The Stooges and The Ramones in punk, as well as Rage Against the Machine in alternative rock, have all inspired moshpits at their shows. The energy and raw emotion of the music, coupled with a sense of community and release among fans, often fuel the desire to mosh, regardless of the specific genre.


Risks and Safety Measures


Given its physical nature, moshing can lead to injuries. Common injuries include bruises, sprains, and occasionally more severe injuries like broken bones or concussions. The chaotic environment of a moshpit can also lead to accidental collisions and falls, increasing the risk of harm.


To minimize the risks of injury while moshing, concert-goers can adopt several strategies:


1. **Stay Aware:** Always be mindful of your surroundings and the movements of others.

2. **Wear Appropriate Clothing:** Opt for durable, close-fitting clothes and sturdy shoes to protect against cuts and falls.

3. **Stay Hydrated:** Keeping hydrated helps maintain stamina and awareness.

4. **Look Out for Others:** The moshpit operates on a sense of community. Helping fallen participants and respecting others' boundaries is crucial.

5. **Follow Venue Rules:** Many venues have specific guidelines for moshpits to ensure safety. Adhering to these rules can help prevent injuries.


 The Wall of Death


A particularly intense form of moshing is the "wall of death," often seen at thrash metal concerts. During a wall of death, the crowd splits into two sections, forming a clear divide. On the command of the band, the two sides charge at each other, creating a massive collision in the center. This spectacle, while thrilling, amplifies the risk of injury and requires a higher level of awareness and mutual respect among participants.


 Bands Commanding the Largest Moshpits


Several bands are renowned for commanding enormous and energetic moshpits. Metallica, Slipknot, and Slayer are often cited as having some of the most intense moshpits in the heavy metal scene. These bands' high-energy performances and dedicated fan bases contribute to the creation of large, dynamic moshpits at their concerts.


World Records and Notable Achievements


In terms of world records, the largest documented moshpit occurred during Metallica’s performance at the 2011 edition of the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil. The crowd's sheer size and enthusiasm created a moshpit involving thousands of fans, making it a notable event in moshpit history. Although official records for the most people moshing at once are rare, such events at major festivals often draw significant attention and are celebrated by fans and media alike.


Conclusion


Moshing is a defining feature of heavy metal and punk rock concerts, offering fans a way to physically express their connection to the music. While it can be associated with risks, the sense of community and shared experience often mitigates these dangers. As long as participants remain mindful and respectful, moshing will continue to be a thrilling and integral part of the live music experience.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

In Profile: The Chuck Norris Experiment

 

Band Name: The Chuck Norris Experiment

Country: Sweden

Label: Ghost Highway Recordings / Savage Magic Records

 

 

1. Let's start at the beginning then. When did the band form?
We started exactly 20 years ago
, back in 2004.


2. Who's in the band?
On lead guitar
 (audience cheer).. Chuck The Ripper!!!
On another lead guitar (audience cheer).. Chuck Daniels!!!
On drums (audience cheer).. Chuck Buzz!!!
On vocals (audience cheer).. Chuck Ransom!!!
On rhythm guitar (audience cheer).. Chuck Rooster!!!
On bass (audience walks away angets more beer).. Chuck Dakota!!!



3. Were any of you in bands before?
Yes, I (Chuck Ransom) used to play guitar an
d sing in stoner action rockers RICKSHAW, together with Chuck Buzz. Now I also play bass in an instrumental rocknroll surf band called RIPTIDE RATS. Chuck Buzz is from the old metal scene in Gothenburg and have played drums in Cemetaryand Ceremonial Oath.


4. How would YOU describe your sound?
Action filled hard rock!

5. What are your musical influences?
We are from all over the 
spectrum of music. If I should list five bands that we definitely have been nicking ideas from it goes like this.
* Turbonegro
* Monster Magnet
Gluecifer
* Queens Of 
The Stone Age
Motörhead

6. What have been up to lately? any new stuff to delight our ears?
YES! 
Our 20-year anniversary album 20 will be released on June 27. On all digital platforms, vinyl, cassette and digital download. Check it out, anywhere!!

7. How about live dates? What have you been doing and what ya got planned for 2024?
2024 been kind of slow, we have been working on the album. But we have don
e some Swedish shows, and we will tour Spain for the first time ever in October! Looking forward to that.




8. Name something about yourselves that fans won't know
love old country music. Cant get enough. Not the new stadium stuff, but the old, dirty stuff.

9. What's the most embarrassing moment you've had?
Thin
gs might get weird when you are on the road, but not really embarrassing. If something like that happens, it is just usually fun and something to laugh about for a while.
We played a festival in Germany called Langeln Open Air last year, and in the middle of 
the set a fucking huge fly few straight down my throat in the middle of an Udo Dirkschneider scream. Ipuked straight out on that stage. Not so embarrassing for us, but yeah, it would be for Taylor Swift.

10. Do you have any superstitions? Any things you do before a show?
Nope. We would get
 annoyed if our pre-show whiskey bottle would be missing. But nothing else really.

11. Are there any musicians or bands you'd love to work with?
I love to work with almost any band 
or musicianIt would be really cool to sit down and write some songs with Danko Jones, he seems like a cool one.

12. Any final thoughts?
Stay safe and be kind to each other kids!!
And always listen to The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT.

Thanks for having me!

/ Chuck Ransom
www.chucknorrisexperiment.com
e-mail: chuck@chucknorrisexperiment.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chucknorrisexperiment
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chucknorrisexperiment
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/@chucknorrisexperiment
Spot
ify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HQMxIoCLgkUbW66GuVX1m?si=rMnRXiJYTcaNIP6WJA-UdQ

Threads: 
www.threads.net/@chucknorrisexperiment
Bandcamp: 
https://chucknorrisexperiment.bandcamp.com

In Profile: Poison Oak

 

Band Name: Poison Oak
Country: Australia
Label:
 https://poisonoak.bandcamp.com/
 
1. Let's start at the beginning then. When did the band form?
The band formed in 2019, it was Ray and myself (James), we would go up for runs on this track called the Goat Track, its located on Castle Hill, Townsville. We would then come back to my place and jam, and I would show Ray songs I had been working on. It became a thing and it just started to become a Jam. Our mate Russell soon joined us on Bass, but who left in 2021, now Adrian plays bass. Chris joined in 2020, after Grant our original drummer left once we started getting some songs together.
2. Who's in the band?
Adrian, Chris, Ray and myself James
3. Were any of you in bands before?
Chris had played in a steampunk band before. I think Adrian had played in some bands during his uni days, and I played in quite a few bands, went on a few tours back when I lived in Brisbane. 
 
4. How would YOU describe your sound?
Indie Rock, with Punk, throw in a bit of post punk, the occasional balladsprinkle on some blues and there you have it.
5. What are your musical influences?
For the band I would say, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Violent Soho, Powderfinger, Blink 182, Bright Eyes
6. What have been up to lately? any new stuff to delight our ears?
Well we just released our debut album, These Suburban Dreamsbut more we have just finished recording some songs that will come off our second album.
7. How about live dates? What have you been doing and what ya got planned for 2024?
Weve been playing a lot of shows so far in 2024, as well as releasing our albumThese Suburban Dreams. Were also hoping to release a few tracks off the second album, coming round August/September.

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