Holiday Q and A Special, Part 4

Here we go with Part 4 of our Holiday Q and A Special with a whole new batch of musicians and artists.It is that time again, when you deck the halls, pull out the decorations, pour some Eggnog and sing Holiday songs. It is a time to get nostalgic and remember the past holidays.

How about others? Who has a Christmas Song out now? Who got a  Mean Girls DVD? or Whose family tradition is watching Christmas Vacation? Here you go, Part 4 of our Holiday Q & A Special where we asked various musician and artists the same questions.  In Part 4 we are pleased to feature the following:

• Fiona Kernaghan – Singer, Songwriter
• Ed Mandevil – Switchblade Serenade, Bassist
• Eric Emery  – Concordia, Singer, Guitar
• Art Geezer  – Art of Shock, Singer, Guitarist
• Chris Lane – Station, Guitarist
• Diamante Bovelli – Diamante, Singer
• Ivan Para – Fair Struggle, Guitarist
• Miles Daniels – Fair Struggle, Bassist
• Sebastian “Baz”Tvedtnaes  – NiteRain, Singer
• Morten Garberg – NiteRrain – Drums, Backing Vocals

Fiona Kernaghan

Songwriter, Singer

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

A driver safety training course, after having had my license for many years. Somehow it still makes me laugh, but at the end of the day it was kinda fun!

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Roast turkey – with cranberry sauce… Oh and holiday cocktails!

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

We open one present each Christmas Eve. Who can wait for Santa!?

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

I have both a favorite holiday song and movie. My favorite holiday song is “White Christmas”, by Bing Crosby. It has extra poignancy for me, having grown up in Australia where a white Christmas really is only a dream! A close second is “Breath Of Heaven” by the lovely Amy Grant. My favorite holiday movie is “Love Actually”, and it competes annually with “The Holiday”.

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

Growing up we had a plastic Santa and sleigh with reindeer that mom would set under the tree every year. No matter how old and banged up that thing got we loved it and it seemed to have a life of it’s own, we found it so enchanting

* * * * * *

Fiona has available her heartwarming short story and song,”An L.A. Christmas Story & Song” now available on Itunes here. Make sure to pick this up tonight, cozy up by the tree and enjoy her inspirational and soul touching story that will have you feeling blessed. Her companion song, “A Christmas Blessing”  is magical and beautifully captures the spirit of the season. 

Ed ManDevil

Switchblade Serenade, Bassist

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

It  would be a photoshopped picture of a dude as a radioactive spider burning down a city and roasting a marshmallow

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

I’d have to say Deviled eggs haha

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

It would be watch my dogs open gifts

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Jingle All the Way for the Movie and Favorite Christmas song (come on you cant beat Billy Idol, Steve Stevens, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum)

 

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

I got an ornament of a bass for the first Xmas since joining the band from my folks

Eric Emery

Concordia, Singer, Guitar

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

Really nothing too crazy…..someone did once buy me the Mean Girls DVD. I’m not sure what they were implying.

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Without a doubt stuffing.  It’s definitely my favorite part of the holidays.

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

Probably just getting together and having a big delicious feast. That never gets old.

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Nightmare before Christmas and the entire soundtrack is amazing. I love that movie and Danny Elfman is a musical genius.

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

My mom has always put up these giant nutcrackers and they’ve scared me since I was a little kid. I used to throw a blanket on them and cover them up when I would walk around downstairs in the same room.

Art Geezer

Art of Shock, Singer, Guitarist

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

I’ve been Given all kinds of things, including substances that tickle your brain ; ), but my favorite ever was a bad ass Theremin, I ended up driving everybody crazy going all 50’s Sci-fi on them!

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Caviar and champagne of course!

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

Just getting them all together!, Now a days it’s a whole bureaucratic transaction to get the whole family in a room at any given time, so I guess that would be it, as far as traditions go!.

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Way too many to mention, so here’s a little list:

MOVIES:

• Gremlins
• Die Hard (part 1 and 2, yes, they count as holyday movies!!!)
• The story of Rudolph the red-nose reindeer (Creepy as fuck, it’s a must!)
• Home Alone
• A Christmas Carol (the 1951 version)

SONGS:

• Run, Run Rudolph (Chuck Berry)
• No presents for Christmas (King Diamond)
• Carol of the bells (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
• Making Christmas (Danny Elfman)
• Merry fucking Christmas ( From the South Park Christmas Special)

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

Yeah, my Metallica Christmas ornaments! , my parents hated those things so they always ended up hanging from my little Charlie Brown tree!

Chris Lane

Station, Guitarist

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

Drumsticks (mainly because I am a guitar player haha)

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

I really like Eggnog. Drink of choice for the next month.

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

My family always does a smaller dinner on Christmas eve and serves several different courses of fish. It’s pretty much a precursor to the feast the next day, but it’s more of an intimate meal rather than a huge family gathering.

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Jingle Bell Rock or Naughty Naughty Christmas for sure.

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

When I was younger my father bought a Star Trek ornament that speaks when you turn the power on. Every time someone walked into the room it would go off with a holiday message from Spock. To this day I don’t know who I associate more with Christmas, Santa Claus or Spock.

Diamante Bovelli

Diamante, Singer

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

It’s not odd whatsoever now, but when I was about 6, my parents got me my first stereo. I was really surprised at the time because it looked like some incredibly advanced alien invention to me. I knew I liked singing, but that stereo completely opened up my entire passion for music and singing. I sang with it every single day and I still do to this day. I love it because now it’s almost looking vintage.

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

That is such a hard question because I love a lot of holiday food! I’m vegan, but I probably have to go with either pumpkin or pecan pie because those are some of my favorite flavors.

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

Usually my family always sits down on Christmas Eve and has dinner. Instead of celebrating the next morning, it’s customary in Latin and European cultures to sit down with family and have huge dinner parties. We usually go to Mexico or Italy to see family which I love.

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

I don’t have a song in particular, but I love hearing those really classic jazzy and almost bluesy holiday songs that malls will play in bookstores or cafés. It really sets the mood and brings that magical feel. My favorite movie definitely has to be “The Nightmare Before Christmas” because it’s the cutest movie ever.

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

When I was living with my best friend and her family last year, I got to help decorate the Christmas tree which was so much fun. It was a gigantic mess but the finished product was really nice. I remember the one ornament on the very top that her sisters and I all attempted vigorously to put on top of the tree, we didn’t succeed until about half an hour and almost fell of ladders but it was worth it.

Ivan Para

Fair Struggle, Guitarist

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

A taxidermy alligator head.

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Spiced Apple Cider with Makers Mark… does that count?

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

On Xmas, someone has to wear a Santa hat and hand out the gifts from under the tree

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Elf!  instant classic

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

My mom still decorates her xmas tree with ornaments that the kids made back in elementary school.  at this point, those things are probably considered vintage, but it’s always fun to see the things we made as kids 25+ years ago.

Miles Daniels

Fair Struggle, Bassist

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

I once got a tuggie. Basically it’s a snuggy for your wang.

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Stuffing! I could eat that shit all day.

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

We put a toy train set around the tree to keep the cat from climbing up and knocking the ornaments off and it keeps her from using the tree skirt as a litter box. I just leaving running all month.

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Bad Santa!

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

I’ve got an ornament that represents my dog Samson (RIP) it’s hard taking out of the box every year.

Sebastian “Baz”Tvedtnaes

NiteRain, Singer

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

A cat toy from my granddad! I dunno if it was used or not by his cats, random as hell

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Eggnog if you can call it food! Love it

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

Sit all together and watch “National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation”

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

Chris Rea: Driving Home for Christmas! A classic

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

Yup, we have a christmas crocodile with the santa clause hat! Everybody should have at least on crocodile on their tree xD Merry Christmas everybody!

Morten Garberg

NiteRain, Drummer

What is the oddest gift you have ever received?

The oddest gift i really don’t know, my friends aren’t that creative

What is your favorite Holiday Food Item?

Favorite food has to be a norwegian dish called “ribbe”  Its pork

What is your favorite Holiday family tradition that you still do today?

My favorite tradition has to be Christmas dinner with the family  and i still open one present in the morning on Christmas Eve

Do you have a favorite holiday movie or song?

I’m not really big on the Christmas songs

But A Day To Remember has a song themed around Christmas and i like that one alot

Do you have a specific memory of a certain ornament or holiday decoration?

I love my grandmothers tiny discoball ornament  still hang it on the tree myself

  

That is it for Part 4 of our Holiday Q & A, we will bring you a whole new batch of artists and musicians tomorrow.  Stay tuned~

~ Marisol, Rockin’ Ryan, Rachel, Steve, Larry, and Music Junkie Press!

In case you missed it, click here for Part 1

Click here for Part 2 

Click here for Part 3

Station – our featured band from Rocklahoma lineup not to be missed!

Station

I told you about Station last week and as promised, here is our interview with Pat. Take a read and you can get to know more about this incredible Rock Band from New York. Also included below is our original post on them!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  How did Station form?

Pat:  Station formed in September of 2010 when I met our guitarist Chris. We found each other through the NY music scene and set up a jam session/audition with each other. From that moment on, Chris and I have been working together.

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press: Who does the writing or is it a collaborative effort?

Pat: There is no set way we write. Sometimes it’s one of us with an idea or a group effort. Either way, once we start fleshing out the song, it takes on a life of it’s own that truly makes it sound like Station. Station is the sound of the four of us all adding what we do to our instrument.

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  What are some of your most influential artists or albums that led you to cultivate your rock and roll roots?

Pat: I would say our biggest influences include Van Halen, Judas Priest and Aerosmith. We are very influenced by a lot of classic rock. As far as albums go, “No More Tears” and “ Slave to the Grind” are very influential on us.

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  We have recently been seeing a true rock and roll revolution which bands bringing back true rock sounds updated and modernized. How has it been for you guys in New York where it literally is a melting pot of music, to get the rock and roll message out there?

Pat: New York is a funny place, because there is no predominant style of music. We have played shows where 20 minutes before we take the stage there was a barber shop quartet. As we travel around the country, we have hooked up with other groups who find influence in the same places as us, so it’s been great to be part of a larger scene or “rock and roll revolution” as you had said.

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  Who are you most excited about playing with at Rocklahoma? Do you have the info on what day you will be performing?

Pat: There are so many great bands! We are all really excited to see Dokken and Steel Panther play. Ironically, we are playing right between them at 5:15pm on Sunday May 26^th.

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  Michael Wagener has such a wealth of knowledge in his field and is always sharing it, he has become legendary in his field. How was it working with him on your EP?

Pat: Michael is the best. We love recording with him. Michael has taught us so much about what actually goes into the recording process. He has been a greta friend and mentor to the band. Not to mention, he’s a really nice guy. Fast driver though….

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  Where can we get the EP Wired?

Pat: The best place to order WIRED is: http://stationnyc.bandcamp.com/album/wired

* * * * *

Music Junkie Press:  Lastly, if you had to pick an ’80s song to be your “theme” or “anthem” song, which would it be and why?

Pat: It would be KISS’ “God Gave Rock and Roll To You II”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope you have had the chance to check out and order their EP, it really has been on our DAILY Playlist. You are going to love it! If you are going to Rocklahoma, make sure to not miss this band!  Check out their video for their song, “Everything” and you will know what I mean:

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Original Post- May 16, 2013

Station

We have another great rock band from the Rocklahoma lineup to tell you about. They are Station, and even though they sound like they are right off the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, to my surprise they are from New York.  You have Patrick Kearney on Vocals, Chris Lane on guitar, Mike Anderson on Bass and Brian Karl on Drums. I just got their CD “Wired” in the other day after returning from the craziness of Golden Gods Awards/That Metal Show, etc so I was glad to be back and looking forward to  new music.  First, when I opened the envelope, I pulled out the CD and really liked the Cover. It is simple but just screams ROCK.  Secondly, I opened it up to see some pictures of the guys and shots of them at live shows. These guys definitely have a great rock look to them and I was really excited to continue on as I  popped in the CD, hoping they wouldn’t disappoint.

Then, right off the start is their first song, “Everything”  that begins with some great guitar riffs. I am hoping the vocals are going to be just as good since so far these guys are right on target all the way!  Then Patrick Kearney comes in with his engaging vocals. YES! I am really excited now. This song just has a great summertime feel to it. I personally am glad to see all the 80’s rock sounds making a comeback and so are a lot of people. It was when music was fun and energetic and that is exactly what Station delivers. The song has solid drumming and great anthemic moments, definitely a hit.

“True Believer” is up next and hooks you in with the guitar riff and and great guitar  solos,  terrific melody and again incredible vocals. Station slows it down a bit with a true ballad,  “I’d Understand”  that really is beautiful and will have you swaying to the music with your lighter (or cellphone today) in the air.  This song reminds me of Warrant or Tesla ballads which I have always been a fan of.

Lastly, “Don’t take Heaven Away from Me” brings the energy back up and has high octane rock running through your veins. You really are left anxious to hear more! I think all in all the CD is Incredible and I am jealous of those who are going to see them at Rocklahoma. I am hoping they come out to California soon since they really have been surpassed my expectations!

Yes, I love my ’80s rock and roll but these guys not only have that great sound but they are perfect for today’s rock world as well. I can always tell the great music too, by when the next day after listening to them, I can’t find the CD. Only to find my 15 year old son playing it in the garage and letting his bandmates listen to it.  They are all rocking out! Definitely a win with this one and I can’t wait for more from Station.

Make sure to head over to their social media sites and keep up to date on their upcoming shows, buy their music, or just say “Hi”. We will see if we can get an interview with the band set up so you can know more about Station!

~Crank it up loud, Marisol

Information & Links: 

• Website:  www.stationband.com
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/StationNYC
• Twitter:   www.twitter.com/StationNYC
• Buy EP   www.stationnyc.bandcamp.com/
• Youtube:   www.youtube.com/StationNYC 

Upcoming Shows: 

• THURSDAY, MAY 23RD 2013   PRYOR, OK AT ROCKLAHOMA
• SUNDAY, MAY 26TH 2013        PRYOR, OK AT ROCKLAHOMA
• FRIDAY, MAY 31ST 2013           PORT JEFFERSON, NY AT LULU’S VILLAGE PUB
• SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH 2013   BROOKFIELD, CT AT THE ROOM
• SATURDAY, JULY 13TH 2013   RIDGEFIELD, CT AT THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE
• FRIDAY, JULY 19TH 2013          HUNTINGTON, NY AT HUNTINGTON MANOR

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Check out some new Rock and Roll with Station from New York!

Station

We have another great rock band from the Rocklahoma lineup to tell you about. They are Station, and even though they sound like they are right off the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, to my surprise they are from New York.  You have Patrick Kearney on Vocals, Chris Lane on guitar, Mike Anderson on Bass and Brian Karl on Drums. I just got their CD “Wired” in the other day after returning from the craziness of Golden Gods Awards/That Metal Show, etc so I was glad to be back and looking forward to  new music.  First, when I opened the envelope, I pulled out the CD and really liked the Cover. It is simple but just screams ROCK.  Secondly, I opened it up to see some pictures of the guys and shots of them at live shows. These guys definitely have a great rock look to them and I was really excited to continue on as I  popped in the CD, hoping they wouldn’t disappoint.

Then, right off the start is their first song, “Everything”  that begins with some great guitar riffs. I am hoping the vocals are going to be just as good since so far these guys are right on target all the way!  Then Patrick Kearney comes in with his engaging vocals. YES! I am really excited now. This song just has a great summertime feel to it. I personally am glad to see all the 80’s rock sounds making a comeback and so are a lot of people. It was when music was fun and energetic and that is exactly what Station delivers. The song has solid drumming and great anthemic moments, definitely a hit.

“True Believer” is up next and hooks you in with the guitar riff and and great guitar  solos,  terrific melody and again incredible vocals. Station slows it down a bit with a true ballad,  “I’d Understand”  that really is beautiful and will have you swaying to the music with your lighter (or cellphone today) in the air.  This song reminds me of Warrant or Tesla ballads which I have always been a fan of.

Lastly, “Don’t take Heaven Away from Me” brings the energy back up and has high octane rock running through your veins. You really are left anxious to hear more! I think all in all the CD is Incredible and I am jealous of those who are going to see them at Rocklahoma. I am hoping they come out to California soon since they really have been surpassed my expectations!

Yes, I love my ’80s rock and roll but these guys not only have that great sound but they are perfect for today’s rock world as well. I can always tell the great music too, by when the next day after listening to them, I can’t find the CD. Only to find my 15 year old son playing it in the garage and letting his bandmates listen to it.  They are all rocking out! Definitely a win with this one and I can’t wait for more from Station.

Check out their video for their song, “Everything” and you will know what I mean:

Make sure to head over to their social media sites and keep up to date on their upcoming shows, buy their music, or just say “Hi”. We will see if we can get an interview with the band set up so you can know more about Station!

~Crank it up loud, Marisol

Information & Links: 

• Website:  www.stationband.com
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/StationNYC
• Twitter:   www.twitter.com/StationNYC
• Buy EP   www.stationnyc.bandcamp.com/
• Youtube:   www.youtube.com/StationNYC 

Upcoming Shows: 

• FRIDAY, MAY 17TH 2013         DANBURY, CT AT WIDOW BROWN’S CAFE
• THURSDAY, MAY 23RD 2013   PRYOR, OK AT ROCKLAHOMA
• SUNDAY, MAY 26TH 2013        PRYOR, OK AT ROCKLAHOMA
• FRIDAY, MAY 31ST 2013           PORT JEFFERSON, NY AT LULU’S VILLAGE PUB
• SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH 2013   BROOKFIELD, CT AT THE ROOM
• SATURDAY, JULY 13TH 2013   RIDGEFIELD, CT AT THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE
• FRIDAY, JULY 19TH 2013          HUNTINGTON, NY AT HUNTINGTON MANOR

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