Fred Shafer – Writing Music For The Ages

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Fred Shafer has been compared to Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, Joe Cocker & Jimi Hendrix. Not because he looks or sounds like any of them, but because his talent is as unique and powerful as these legends. It is because he shares something truly special with them, something so rare that you can’t buy it or manufacture it. It’s truth. He exudes it. His inspired and acclaimed performances bleed with utter sincerity.

Every song, every word he sings is delivered with unparalleled passion and heartfelt honesty. Shafer gives you everything he has, every moment. He is no stranger to success in the music industry, having repeatedly defeated the odds that this highly competitive industry breeds, because he eats, sleeps and breathes his music. His relentless work ethic and never give up attitude only adds depth to his world-class talent.

This year, Fred Shafer has reached a major milestone as he finished his first full-length solo album, “Resistor”, which will be released October 5, 2010 through Northview Media/ Intensity Entertainment. The album was coproduced with Jamey Perrenot (Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Paul Brant) and mixed by Rob Burrell (Michael W. Smith). “Resistor” is an eclectic work, which includes songs Shafer wrote last year while on tour, as well as songs co-written with Nashville songwriters including Autumn McEntire. Being a singer/songwriter (an endangered species in the music industry today), Shafer is able to combine his in-demand, timeless songwriting with heartfelt emotion and tireless conviction.

Standout tracks include first single, “Letting You Go”, “Why You’re Gone,” “Hello,” “Into the Ground”, “Mama Said” and “Gone”. They tell the story of trials and tribulations, love and hope, heartache and maturity; feelings most of us are accustomed to in our own lives. In these songs, Shafer is able to give us hope and comfort in knowing we’re not alone and we are not the only ones going through these troubled times in our lives. Having a song that describes what we’re going through or allows us an insight to our feelings, and that escape and understanding is a medicine far better than any drug you can take. Shafer’s passionate sincerity and soulful performance are both comforting and intoxicating. “Letting You Go,” the current single off the album, has gained some incredible success charting six times on commercial radio, quickly gaining on his previous mark with “All On Me”, reaching #1 on two stations across the country. In addition, Shafer’s music has already appeared in FX’s The Shield and the Ultimate Fighting Championship as well as in the full-length film The Station Agent by Miramax. He has even been featured in Vanity Fair, Hit Parader and Billboard magazines.

Shafer continually undertakes a grueling 250 show per year schedule, Coast to Coast and abroad. “I consider it an honor and blessing to be able to play my guitar for a living, helping those who work hard each day relax and have something to escape in,” explains the talented musician. Some of these tours include playing LIVE for the US Armed Forces in battle stricken countries across the world. Shafer just returned from Asia where he performed in China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Diego Garcia. There he became the FIRST ARTIST EVER to perform at the US Embassy in China. He says, “One of my biggest memories of this trip was when I played in South Korea. South Korea and North Korea were at a military readiness standstill over the sinking of a USFK ship. It was amazing to be in the area when that happened; like being in the center of a historic moment filled with tension”. When asked why he decides to put himself in these positions he proudly replies, “When I was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease, they removed my left kidney. Though all the men in my family are in, or were in the Armed Forces, my kidney condition prevented me from joining the Armed Forces. So I serve my country and lend a hand the best way I can, by bringing a little piece of home to the troops stationed abroad and some good old fashioned Rock n’ Soul!” Shafer will be returning to Asia in the fallof 2010 with another invitation from the Armed Forces; an invitation he is VERY proud to accept.

Shafer’s current tour will start in July and will take him through the Midwest US making stops in Ohio, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Iowa before starting heading to the southern US to hit Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and more. Check out www.fredshafer.com for the exact dates and times of his performances.

Pick up your copy of “Resistor”(Northview Media/Intensity Entertainment) available now at www.fredshafer.com, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody and available in stores October 5th. See you at the show!

Lauren Winans-No Boys Allowed

Lauren Winans was born to entertain.  When this 19-year-old West Virginia native was just a tiny tot, she had already found her voice and love for music.  Hardly shy, Winans would delight in performing musical routines in front of her family, classmates and neighbors.  However, it wasn’t until she was fourteen that she started taking singing seriously. Growing up in a town called Buckhannon, Winans was always surrounded by a loving and supportive family.  Her parents, although not singers themselves, influenced Winans as a young child.  They often had music playing on the radio or by way of the television, exposing Winans mostly to the country music genre.  She also remembers finding her favorite movie during childhood.  Beauty and the Beast became a much loved and much watched movie for Winans. She adored Belle, the lead character, and often found herself singing all the beloved songs from the Disney classic.  ”It got me into singing,” states Winans.

Today, the beautiful and talented Winans not only sings, but writes her own songs.  ”I keep a musical diary.  If I want to remember something, I’ll write it down.  When it comes to songwriting, the idea comes first and then the melody,” she explains.  According to the performer, feeling the words is just as important as feeling the rhythm.  ”It’s hard to explain [the feeling] of how wonderful it is to hear your own song being played or to hear someone else singing it,” reveals Winans when asked what it is like to be a songwriter.  She goes on to say that it is especially true if you are writing your songs from experience.  In such a way to Winans, it is like unloading your feelings and emotions; getting your thoughts off your chest.  Her song, “About a Boy,” was inspired by a personal experience and when Winans was finished writing it, it made her cry.  No doubt, a very emotional song for the teenager to create, but it has since become one of her all time favorites.  To Winans, country music affects her more than other genres because it is about “real things in life,” making it more emotionally charged.  Seth Maynard, a fellow songwriter, helps Winans with some of her songs. Winans, who describes herself as “super girlie,” says it is a little funny to have a man like Maynard try to understand her thoughts and feelings and put them into words.

Winans, who says she associates most with country music and enjoys it considerably, does not want her music to only reflect that kind of genre.  Instead of being labeled as strictly a country music singer, she wants to be recognized more so as a multi-genre artist.  On Winan’s upcoming CD set to debut in the summer (she says she still has a few more songs to record), there will be a variety of musical styles reflected in her songs.  There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from country to pop.  The song, “No Boys Allowed,” is the only one not written or co-written by Winans on her CD.  However, she felt strongly connected to the song, and believed in it.  Winans decided then to include it.  It’s a song that Winans could relate to and understand; something you would hear anytime and anyday on a playground.  Winans says she thinks about a group of girls playing happily, creating their own private world where no boys are allowed.  The song is also featured in Winan’s debut video.

And we all know that Winans can sing and write, but can she play an instrument?  ”I play the guitar,” states the talented young entertainer.  Even though she can play the guitar, Winans confides that her studio musicians usually are the ones who provide most of the music.  Winans did reveal that she will be playing the guitar in an upcoming song, and that in all of her original songs, it is just her singing.  Seth Maynard, who owns the studio, plays all kinds of instruments, minus the drums.  So, there are times too when Maynard will take over to provide the beat.

So where does Winans see herself five years from now?  It was an easy answer for the singer/songwriter.  ”A single on the Top 10.  That would be huge!”  And in ten years?  ”I want to be a household name.”  With the way this 19-year-old is performing now, that dream will easily become a reality, and possibly a whole lot sooner than in ten years.

It is apparent that Winans enjoys entertaining her fans, so we couldn’t help but ask what has been her best experience to date singing in public.  With a slight giggle, Winans recalls a time she performed in Nashville at a club.  She had just finished her set, exited off the stage and got approached by a very tipsy bar patron.  The man had been calling her name, and motioned for her to join him.  Winans walked over and was greeted by the man who proceeded to compliment her.  ”You’re fantastic!  You really touched me.  Please don’t leave.  I want you to sing me a song.”  Winans admits that she was honored, but a little unnerved.  She did continue to talk to the man and soon found out that he played hockey.  It wasn’t until later on that she realized who this hockey player really was.  Winans says she was watching the Team Canada hockey team defeat the U.S. in the winter Olympics.  The winning goal in the nail biting game was made by her number one fan.

For more information on Lauren Winans, please go to her website:  www.laurenwinans.com

Saving A Broken Heart Through Music

Everyday people swarm to Vegas to test their luck and gamble with the money in their pockets, hopefully turning that into a quick fortune. Gambling is something millions of people thrive on, testing the hands of fate and hopefully defying the odds. For Sean Semon, Vegas is his home and he’s in a game of chance with stakes far greater than any amount of money you can have. Those stakes are his life and the gamble is getting a heart transplant.

Sean is a hard working American like you and I. He pays his taxes and he never complained about working. He picked up health insurance from his place of employment and expected that coverage to protect him should he really need it. However, when Sean developed congestive heart failure and required a heart transplant, he was denied by his health care provider because of a small clause written that they don’t cover heart transplants. Now, this is not us justifying a social health plan, or showing the fallacies of the health insurance industry, rather what we are saying is there is hope and we’re going to point out how.

Vegas happens to be the birth city of Holes and Hearts, and one day their grandmother heard Sean’s story on the local news. She told her grandsons about this man because his story is very close to the tragedy Riley had at birth. Riley was born with a hole in his heart, which could have been fatal. Luckily, All Children’s Hospital and the doctors there were able to save his life. Now the hard rocking kids of Tampa Bay want to reach out across the United States with a campaign to help save Sean.

Casey and Riley, along with their dad and uncle, decided on a way to help raise money for this cause. Holes and Hearts is offering a download for a donation of $1.00 to benefit Sean’s cause. The idea is simple; we spend $1.00 on a soda, candy bar, newspaper, etc. everyday and never even think twice about it. What if 700,000 people were to donate just $1.00 to his cause. That would give Sean the $700,000.00 he would need to cover this surgery. Once he has enough money he can be placed on the transplant list. Time is of the essence because he doesn’t have long to live without a heart transplant, and the waiting list could be lengthy in itself. Holes and Hearts asks for each of us reading this article, visiting their MySpace or Facebook accounts, and those hearing about this cause to please find it in their heart to donate $1.00. And for your generosity, Holes and Hearts will give you a single song download. In essence, Holes and Hearts is giving up $700,000.00 that could be theirs off their song sales, so you have something great to listen to.

It’s hard to believe that two young boys ages 12 and 13 can have such a generous heart. They didn’t even flinch when they heard about this unfortunate young man, who at 30, is gambling with his life and time is the house. These kids should be considered saints and heroes, but ask them and they will tell you, “We’re not any of those things. We just want to help out, and if we can help with our music then that’s enough payment for us.”

If you know and follow Holes and Hearts one of their first major gigs was playing at the Relay For Life Cancer Walk at Sun Lake High School back in 2008. It was where we first caught a glimpse into the talent they possess. They also played for the American Cancer Society at another event, The Expressionist’s own “Rocktober Fest” and for the Humane Society Of Pinellas. They were the ambassadors of the Fight Against Homelessness, and are pleased to lend their support and name to any worthy cause that needs their help.

For more details please see www.myspace.com/holesandhearts and donate $1.00, or more if you can. Help them help Sean and give this man a chance at life; a gamble he must win and where better to do it than the greatest stage in the world… Las Vegas!

Country’s In The Cards – Jenna Zablocki

In the music industry today we find an abundance of talented performers, however, with such mass numbers it’s easy to fall into a niche where you sound like or act like the rest of the stars, losing your individuality.  It’s important to find your specific niche that sets you above the rest, giving you that brand that when your song comes on the radio, people know you sang it.

Being a celebrity musician is the dream of just about anyone in the modern music era, and with MTV and VH1, it’s been glorified and glamourized.  So when a talented artist comes along that can take that childhood dream and turn it into reality with their own unique sound, style and brand, then you have found a star.  For Jenna Zablocki, she has not only found her niche in the music industry, but also gives something extra to the package because she can act too.

Since the young age of five, Jenna has been tinkering on the piano playing her heart out.  She loved to perform and let the music run through her, releasing her soul.  Jenna continued to pursue singing and music for eleven more years.  She studied classical composers and tried her hand at opera and gospel music.  It was her love to perform that gave her the idea to also act, and her first act was at a school production.  Jenna decided to stop music for a while, and pursue the acting career she enjoyed so much.

Jenna’s acting career got started in a strange place.  As the saying goes, sometimes you are where you are for a reason.  Jenna was discovered by a casting director at the JFK airport in Boston, and never looked back.  She would move herself to Los Angeles to make this dream a reality.

Her first major role came when she played April Meadows in The Portal, which airs on the silver screen in 2010.  She has also performed in supporting roles and fill-in’s on Repo Chick as Eggi,  Project Solitude as Sara, and Killer Weekend.  However, she never lost her love for music either, and her home in Los Angeles made it possible to pursue both loves at once.

In 2009 Jenna went into the recording studio to record an album, and it was there that she sang a song which defined her musical style.  It was very different from her childhood training.  The producer said, “Man, that sounded almost country.”  So, from then on Jenna was a country singer and produced her debut CD, Powerful Stuff, set to be released nationwide in January 2010.

Hearing Jenna sing on her new CD you will understand exactly what I am talking about with her unique style.  Her voice is sultry smooth, feminine and powerful with a mix of  slight country feel, but not being overpowering, which can land her music on easy listening, country, and top 40 radio stations.  If you don’t like country, you will still love Jenna and her CD has something for everyone to enjoy.

Jenna intends to set her ambitions high, and succeed in both acting and music, and a role in a musical movie would fit her just fine.  When her career has ended she hopes to someday win a CMA, as well as an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award.  “An award is the ultimate symbol of success.  I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to win one… and it’s the utmost honor because your fans voted for you to win it,” Jenna states.

With the launch of her debut album and her ability to act and sing well, Jenna’s career is only heading up, and success is on the horizon for this young star.  You’re sure to see her name in lights and a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame one day.

You can get Jenna’s CD Powerful Stuff through iTunes and Amazon.com.  Find out more about Jenna, her amazing budding career, and her current projects at www.jennazablocki.com

Nerves Of Steel – Hollie Steel

Like Americans, the British love talent and reality shows, making them quite the rage across the pond.  One of the more popular shows is Britain’s Got Talent, which is like American Idol but they allow different kinds of performers to compete, making it not just a singing competition.  Unlike American Idol, they allow any age to compete as long as they have the talent to move to the next round.  However, here is a similiarity between the two shows: on the judging panel is the man who makes them quiver, Simon Cowell.

About a year and a half ago the multi-decked theater was sold out.  The judges sat waiting for their next performer in the initial audition, when out comes a ten-year-old dressed in ballerina garb and a beautiful tiara that sat upon her head, sparkling in the stage lights.  The judges ask her, “What’s your name?” and with a soft English accent she mutters, Hollie Steel.  Little Hollie points off stage to queue the music, and starts to perform a interpretive ballet dance.  The judges sit back with baited breath knowing she will probably sing, mainly because she has a small head mounted microphone on.  Her dance didn’t last long before coming to a complete stop.  She then looks at the audience, cool and collected, and belts out one of the most amazing sounds ever heard.  Simon Cowell’s eyes grow wide in shock over the vocals of this young lady, and with a heart felt passion she sings, “I Could Have Danced All Night.”  That performance won her a trip to the next round, allowing her to compete in the finals last year.  Sadly, she didn’t win the competition, but is proud to say she made it farther than she ever expected.

Talking with Hollie, I discovered she originally was in ballet.  She loves to dance which frees her spirit, allowing her to express herself through her movements.  I don’t know too many young ladies who don’t want to be beautiful ballerinas performing on stage.  I know many also that wish to be singers, performing for their adoring fans.  Hollie, at the age of ten, got that chance for both of her loves which soared her into the hearts of millions.  Singing came later, but it was something she loved to do, so combining the two was like the cherry on the cake for Hollie.

Her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent led her to record her first album, set to be released in 2010; a feat Hollie is quite excited over and hopes the enthusiasm will trickle down into the album for her fans.  The album will contain mostly contemporary-crossover and opera-like compositions.  Granted, Hollie loves pop music and rock, but prefers to sing the music that expresses her young heart the best.

Despite the success, Hollie has a great head on her shoulders and hasn’t let the fame and success get to her.  When she is not singing, she loves playing with her teddies, listening to music, playing with her friends and doing what a typical now eleven-year-old girl would do.  She also loves spending time with her family, who have supported her all the way on this amazing journey.  If you see Hollie around town, or walking down the road she will gladly give you her autograph and thank the people who cherish her music.  That’s how you can tell she hasn’t let stardom affect her, which is also a sign of great parenting.

Hollie has performed on TV,  and has an album coming out this year, but believe it or not she still has one dream she hopes to fulfill in her new career.  Hollie wants to tour the U.S. and sing for her fans here in America.  Hollie’s mom says that she has a tremendous following here in the states, and is touched how the American people have taken Hollie into their hearts.  I have a great feeling that this will come true faster than she expects and she will get to greet those fans here face to face.

If you want to find out more about this amazing young lady, you can visit her official website and sign up for her fan club at www.holliesteel.org.uk and tell her how much her music touches your life.  There is no greater compliment than that for an artist.  Once you see her, you will know why she can capture your heart with her voice and charm and not ever have to meet you in person to do so.

Don’t forget to listen to her podcast where she sits down and talks with The Expressionist Magazine on “Artist One On One.”  The podcast is found on our podcast link, or you can search The Expressionist Magazine on iTunes.

Drifters- The Legend Continues

It’s hard to believe that fifty-six years ago, five men would grace the country and the world with their amazing singing talent.  They would help define a new style of music called doo-wop, which was branching away from the traditional music like that of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and even some of the big band and jazz era melodies.  This was a whole new style and look, complete with fancy stage outfits and fun lyrics you could dance to.  Those five men made up the legendary group called The Drifters, and their name says it best, they drifted right into our hearts.

Back in 1953, a man by the name of George Treadwell, creator of Atlantic Records, started a conversation with Clyde McPhatter to start a group.  This group was to be recorded with Atlantic Records, and McPhatter did just that, naming the group The Drifters. Their first hit would come three years later in 1956 called “Money Honey,” which also was their first number one hit.  The five man band became quite popular, and started a trend among other artists such as The Temptations and The Four Tops.

Clyde McPhatter wanted out, and the group would go down to four members and continue that way.  A few years after McPhatter left The Drifters, they started to get in trouble, showing up late for practice and even for some shows. George Treadwell wouldn’t stand for this kind of behavior and fired the whole band.  Infuriated with the band, Treadwell went across the street and hired a five man band called The Five Crowns to replace his Drifters.  That move would turn out to be special because they lifted The Drifters to super stardom.  In fact, in that new group was vocalist Ben E. King, also noted for his solo career following his stint with The Drifters, giving us a hit called “Stand By Me.”  The new line up included Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Doc Green, Elsbury Hobbs, and James “Poppa” Clark.

Ben E. King’s Drifter line up is commonly referred to as the “Golden Age” of The Drifters.  They produced great songs such as “Dance With Me,” “This Magic Moment,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” and so many more.  During this time, this particular line up went into tumultuous situations, because many of the fans knew and adored the first line up giving this one grief.  This new group lasted only two years for a few reasons.  Lover Patterson, the road manager,  had a fallout with Treadwell.  King was under contract with Patterson when he was The Five Crowns, so Patterson refused to let King tour with the band.  King continued to record the songs for one year while another man, Johnny Williams, toured in his place.  To make matters worse, King asked Treadwell for his share of the royalties, which he was denied. King would go on to a very successful singles career.

Despite the fact their lead singer King was gone, Rudy Lewis took over in King’s spot and recorded hits like “On Broadway,” “Some Kind Of Wonderful,” and “Please Stay.”  The band would also find more changes in the future.  Hobbs was drafted and Tommy Evans from the original lineup came back to fill his spot.

Amazingly, the group started to tour in 1953 and still does so today, making them the oldest consecutively touring group in the world that we know about.   Currently, there is a new generation of Drifters.  George Treadwell is no longer with us, but his daughter Faye Treadwell continues the legacy.  She gets new band members from time to time.  Each Drifters member that is chosen must look similar to, and sound similar to the original Drifters to ensure the quality is maintained.  Today, that group has a new CD out titled, The Drifters – Five Decades and Moore.”

This new CD is a tribute to the late band member Johnny Moore.  It contains some of the classic hits from the original Drifters, with a few lost songs from the ’60s decade no one knew existed.  There are also some songs written and performed by the current Drifters line up. This CD can be obtained at Amazon.com, iTunes and their official website.

George Treadwell’s The Drifters would continue to morph members in and out, but they always kept to their roots and sang the songs that brought them to the level they are known for today.   The Drifters were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in a few ways.  One way was as Ben E. King and The Drifters, and secondly as The Original Drifters (this one was a separate group run by original Drifter Bill Pinkney).  The Drifters would go on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well.

To find more about The Drifters, see their official websites:

The Drifters:  http://www.thedrifters.co.uk/
The Original Drifters (Bill Pinkney):  http://www.originaldrifters.com

Destino3- Harmonic Popera At Its Best

In the ’90s, boy bands were all the rage.  They made tween and teen girls fall to their knees with full shreaking screams.  They were pop sex icons put together by large pocketed conglomerates, with amazing sense of marketing.  The bands were like puppets; they all had very similar qualities and most of them sounded very much like the other.  Their voices and talent didn’t matter because their looks were what brought in the money, and when the looks faded and the next rage came about, they fell from grace.

Then, out of Canada, comes another boy band trio.  Before you roll your eyes, I must say they are nothing like the others. They call themselves Destino3.  Sure, they have incredible looks that make the women go nuts, have harmonic vocals that will soothe the savage beast, and unlike the other boy bands of the past, these guys sing something none of the other boy bands even dared to try… classical crossover.  They have everything the other bands don’t, and are set to stand the test of time because they attract the younger generation, but they also appeal to those who love opera, classical, and gospel music.

Their name translated means “destiny,” in both Italian and Spanish.  The name was chosen because they knew they were destined to be singers and perform what they love the most.  Destiny is exactly what they got.  They all had acclaimed solo careers and rich musical training before joining Destino3.  They all had various genre backgrounds such as pop, gospel, opera, and classical, that when combined, would make for a delightfully unique sound.  In turn, that would make them a household name.  The group was joined by Paul Ouellette, the mastermind and founder of Destino3.  He brought in Joey Niceforo and Hans Munoz to complete this dynamic trio.  They originally lost one of their first members, bringing in Munoz in his place.  Munoz brought a new pop style and sound to the band, as well as an amazing song writing ability that Destino3 hopes to utilize in the years to come.

It’s hard to believe they’ve been around since 2006, and started to sell out theaters and opera houses all over their native country of Canada.  The group realized they had a talent that the rest of the world needed to see, and in 2009 started to tour the United States.  Destino3 started a tour throughout the entire southeast, which has been a great success.  They are very honored that the rest of the world is starting see the gifts they bring to the music industry. Their music even brought them their most acclaimed performance to date; it took place in 2008 at the Beijing Summer Olympics.  Ouellette states the band was very honored to be a part of something so special.  It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity which made them feel like they earned a gold medal for their talents.  That performance put their music in front of the nations and set an international stage unlike any other.

In 2009, they released their first major debut CD titled, Forte.  It boasts an exotic name supported by the great variety of tracks contained on the disc.  It contains songs such as ” Adagio” and “Una Furtiva L’Agrima” that have an operatic feel.  Included as well is “Breathe Again,” originally recorded by Grammy Award winning Toni Braxton, thus showing the diversity of the album.  It even has the track “My Baby You,” in both English and French.

The band looks forward to seeing what 2010 has in store; the places they will travel to, the people they will meet.  They look forward to making songs that everyone can love, no matter what your musical style is.  We know that once you hear their soulful, harmonic voices you will be hooked on their “popera” sound and be a fan of Destino3 forever.

To find out more, go to their website www.destino3.com

Holiday Mash-Up with Paul of Cannibal Corpse

Drummer machine Paul Mazurkiewicz of death metallers Cannibal Corpse caught up with me while out at the band’s Hollywood stop on the current tour. To talk to me about the upcoming holiday season along with the good and the bad effects of the interviewing process and what the fans can expect from an overall Cannibal Corpse slaughter fest if not having already experienced one.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Paul: It was pretty uneventful but it was good. We had a day off after having 14 shows in a row. When out on the road I’m not with my family. So it was just another day but the fact that we had a day off was nice.

Looking forward to the remaining holiday season?

Paul: Of course we’ve been very busy while on this tour. We’re ending just before Christmas and everyone will be getting home in time for the holidays so they’ll be able to spend time with their family and loved ones so we’re all looking forward to that.

What do you hope to find underneath the Christmas tree come Christmas morning?

Paul: I don’t even know anymore to me I don’t want anything or need anything. I want to see my family, see my wife and daughter and can’t for that. That’s the most important thing to me.

What about your latest record, what can be said about it that hasn’t been covered?

Paul: I don’t know good question really. It’s a great record I think – we felt that we did good job on it. Eric doing the best he can to produce it. We’re happy it’s doing so well and we’re out on the road doing better than we ever have been so it’s a good feeling all around.

Out of all the members of Cannibal Corpse, who goes the longest without showering?

Paul: (Laughs) Probably George, sometimes most of us it’s hard to do because you go and shower the night before a show and then have to go and shower again afterwards – so it’s like pointless. I think it would be a safe answer to say though that George is indeed the one that’s gone the longest without showering. There are going to be days where all of us play not showering and then some where we have showered. I would hope I’m somewhat clean so I would wait it out after a while before needing to shower so it happens.

What have been your best and worst interview/fan experiences?

Paul: Ya know I guess the interviews would be a hit and miss. The Most we do is being one of those a hit and some are like the ones where they don’t even know who you are. It seems like I have some knowledge of who I’m going to talk too. But those are the types are the ones that seem the most pointless. As for fans 99% of the fans are great and down to earth who just want to meet you and have a good time and then get some that don’t know when to keep their mouth shut. You got to take the good with the bad with the business we’re dealing with here.

You’ve toured with pretty much everybody, who do you prefer touring with the most?

Paul: We have toured with a lot of bands and befriended a lot as well. That is also a hard question to answer. We’ve toured with so many but as us being fans of music we full filled our dream of getting to tour with Slayer and watch them perform every night was awesome and we’d love to do that again.

What’s it like going back to being a support act after so many years as a headliner?

Paul: It’s a little different as well. We’ve done headlining since the beginning but at the same time we’re one of the biggest death metal bands around so we look at it expanding the fan base as much as possible. Like we are today this tour is a combination so we got more an eventful chance. We’re not use to doing this type of thing but we’ll do it whenever we can and make it work.

There are of course the main songs that we’d “have to” perform and then there are the ones that we can toss to the side that wouldn’t matter as much as the main ones do. If we didn’t perform such songs as “Hammer Smash Face”, then we’d be facing a problem. I don’t think I could go without playing that song either way.

Who does most of the interviews while out on the road, and who do you usually get guys or girls or is it even?

Paul: It’s mostly I or Alex or George does a bunch as well. Unusually us three it’s always a mix. I’d say 60% male and 40% female it’s not like we’re just sticking with just females or just males. Everybody has their share.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Paul: Thanks for the support of death metal and Cannibal Corpse if it wasn’t for you guys we wouldn’t be here today so keep it brutal!

Dirge Within’s 8-Question Round-Up

Dirge Within’s guitarist Shaun caught up with me while out on the road on the band’s most recent stop out on the current tour this one being a fusion of Trivium’s bill and Hatebreed’s. Shaun spoke to me about the current touring route, which band he spends the most time, down to the pranks he’s pulled while goofing off behind the scenes. Aside from those side effects he also threw out details regarding the band’s current music video release, and album output on what the low down is revolving around this reality world of music.

What’s been the highlight so far of the Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour?

Shaun: The two tours were so near one another that the promoter’s decided to put them together into this big festival for the San Francisco and Los Angeles dates. But I think Los Angeles kicks ass better than San Francisco does which is rare.

Which band have you been hanging out with the most on this tour?

Shaun: Trivium, I ride a lot with them and hang with them. Cory, Matt, Paulo, and Nick are great friends of mine I just love those guys.

Is the economy affecting your tour attendance or merch sales? Is it impacting logistics or operation at all?

Shaun: Of course you see it. For the price we have to sell t-shirts they are 4 or 5 other bands you have to match it up with to keep it fair. So there are kids that have to miss out on buying shirts at times which sucks. Its reality so you just got to make the best of it I suppose.

What’s the best prank you’ve played on bandmates or other bands?

Shaun: Gabe of Whitechapel who I call Cartman we bought him an Eric Cartman drivers license and put it in his wallet that was hilarious.

I’m sure you get stories from fans about how your music impacts their lives. What’s one that really stands out?

Shaun: There was a girl in Hartford, Connecticut who said that our music helped her get through her illness. That’s always a very heartfelt to hear from our fans.

Tell me about your latest video for “Forever the Martyr”.

Shaun: It was a long day of bombs and explosions, I think the director got a good vibe of the band and we’re known to be an aggressive type of band when performing live. I want to have fun and crush some skulls.

Why should the fans own a copy of “Force Fed Lies”?

Shaun: I think every song has a different vibe and has a good American metal and do our own thing.

Any last words?

Shaun: Thanks for having me, and keep supporting metal!

Written and interviewed by Natalie Perez

Accolades For Nora Foss Al-Jabri

When The Expressionist Magazine first featured Connie Talbot, we were engulfed with requests from other greatly talented children from across the world.  We just love the talents of young budding artists in any respected genre or medium of art they choose, and feel it’s our duty to show the world the talent they possess.  One of the names that crossed my desk was Nora Foss Al-Jabri.  After hearing her version of “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” a song originally done by one of my favorite artists, Belinda Carlise, I was amazed by the similarities they shared.  I knew this talented young lady was going to go far, as long as she pursues her passion for singing.  We had the chance to interview this budding diva and here is what she had to say in her own words.

Q.  Tell us about yourself, and how you got into singing.
I was born January 29, 1996, and I am thirteen-years-old.  I have always liked singing, and started singing even before I had learned to speak.  When I was eight-years-old, I started singing in a more serious manner.  At that time, I participated in my first talent contest and acted on a stage for the first time.  This was something that I enjoyed very much, and I knew that this was something I wanted to do in my future.  I started singing in a musical chorus and took private lessons to develop my voice.  I practiced several hours each and every day.  At the age of nine, I performed in the stage once again, in a similar song contest, and this time I won.  I think that it was after this contest that other people started recognizing my singing.  However, it wasn’t until 2007, when I was eleven-years-old, it carried away. Without my knowledge, my sister uploaded a video of me singing on a large Norwegian Internet site.  More than 100,000 people saw the video within the first five days, which is much in a small country like Norway with its 4.9 million citizens.  This led to the biggest newspapers and the biggest TV channels coming to my home to interview me, taking pictures and filming me. I remember that I found it somewhat frightening.

Later on, I signed up for the contest called Norway’s Got Talent.  I ended up placing third, which I was very satisfied with.

Q.  Can you compare your sound to any major singer out in the industry?
I have noticed that other people compare me with Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Eva Cassidy.  It is kind of hard to define my style, as I feel I have several styles.  I think it is a common opinion that I have a jazz/pop/country voice. However, it is Celine Dion and Eva Cassidy that have inspired me to sing the way I do.  I’m also very fond of Beyonce, and would have loved to try singing some of her R ‘n’ B songs.

Q.  Has your family supported your singing career?  Do you consider that a big part of your success so far?
My family has been very supportive to me all the time, and they have followed me on everything.  They have supported me during th

ick and thin, and have given me comfort whenever I have needed it.  I would definitely not have gotten to where I am today without them.

Q.  Do you have a CD out currently or is there one in the works?  If so, can you tell us about it?
I have still not released a CD, but we are working on it.  We are producing the record at the moment, and it will be released next year.  I’m looking forward to this; I think it will be exciting.  I can’t tell too much about the record yet, but I can reveal that some of the songs are written by me.

Q.  What is your favorite song that you sing, and what makes it so special to you?
I have several favorite songs.  Earlier this year, I performed in a memorial show for Michael Jackson.  I participated on the s

ong “We Are The World,” along with several other artists.  This song is magical to me.  The song was written in the 80s, but the lyrics are still valid today.  Too many innocent people in the world, children and adults who have not done anything to deserve it, are suffering greatly.  I am half Iraqi, and I often think about how my family in Iraq are doing.  However, the song I love to sing the most is “Gabriella’s Song.”  It is a Swedish song that is about a woman that

is being dominated by her man, but at the end of the song, she can’t take it anymore and says she wants to live her life. The song has a strong lyric: “I want to feel that I am living all the time I have got.  I want to feel that I have been living my life, knowing that I am adequate.”  I think that lots of women feel the same way.  I have even heard from people that they started crying when they heard me sing it on Norway’s Got Talent because they could associate themselves with the song.

Q.  If you could share the stage with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be? I would have loved to perform on a stage with lots of artists.  Some of them are Eva Cassidy, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson or Beyonce.  All of them are fantastic musicians and singers.  There is, or there was something unique with all of them.

Q.  Have you done any live shows?  If so, where and what was your favorite show and why?
I have been at some live shows, for instance, Norway’s Got Talent and Oprah. Both experiences were incredible and exciting, and I was very nervous.  One of my best memories was when I sang in the semi-finale in Norway’s Got Talent, and the audience never stopped cheering me and shouting my name after I was finished singing.  The whole audience was fantastic!

Q.  What do you like most about your fans?  Do they have an impact on your singing?
I love my fans!  They are the ones that make me want to continue singing.  They are there for me and support me, even if they don’t know me.  I think that is fantastic.

Q.  What are some of your greatest accomplishments or experiences you’ve had so far in your singing career?
The greatest moment in my career so far was when I was on Oprah.  It was amazing.  However, I was so nervous that I felt I wasn’t completely able to show what I was capable of.  However, what an experience; I loved it!  I would say it is partly due to Oprah that I’m releasing a record next year, and probably due to her that I’m being interviewed by this magazine.  I recently heard that Oprah will end her show in 2011, which I think is sad, but I fully understand her decision.  I would like to send a greeting to Oprah and thank her for having me on the show.  It was a memory for a lifetime.

Q.  Is singing something you want to to do the rest of your life as a career?
Singing is something I want to do for the rest of my life, but it is hard to make it so we will have to see what happens.

Q. I hear you have been invited to sing in both California and Hawaii. Have you ever been to the United States before and how exciting is it to go to Hawaii?
I have been contacted by some people from both Hawaii and California, wanting me to sing there.  However, this is not confirmed yet, so I can’t comment on it any further at this point of time.

Q.  What do you like to do when you’re not singing?
When I’m not singing, I like to write music and songs, spend some time with my friends, travel and to play soccer.

Q.  Do you enjoy school? How do you manage school with singing and still maintain good grades?
I enjoy school very much.  It is important to get an education, so I am trying my best at school at the same time that I’m focusing on my singing career.

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