Writer on Campus

by Roberto Miranda 

Since the beginning of the fall 2013 semester, NJCU has welcomed its new Writer on Campus, Annie Lanzillotto, an established writer and performance artist from the Bronx.

Known for her commanding stage presence, Lanzillotto is influenced by the performances and messages of artists like Penny Arcade, Mark Ameen, and Patti Smith. Throughout her career, she has won a plethora of awards and grants, and was also named one of the “200 essential New Yorkers” by The New York Times.

When asked how she became a part of the NJCU community, Lanzillotto acknowledges Professor Giunta, who teaches Modern and American Contemporary Literature.

“She was going to connect with NJCU students, said Giunta. “Many years ago, she came and did one of her reading performances to my EC2, my composition students, not English majors, students who were very reluctant to do the readings; and after I had them write a response, one student said, ‘That’s it! I’m changing my major!’ To me, that summarizes the kind of impact she has.”

“She’s been mentoring me,” said Cassandra Casella, Secondary Education major from Hoboken. “Some of the things that she writes about in her own poetry, or some of the themes that she writes about in her own poetry, have been helping me reflect on my own experiences. She’s been helping me; she’s that kind of person.”

As for why she chose NJCU, Lanzillotto said, “I’m here to write my next book and to conference with students on their creative writing and their choices to be a writer, or to be a performer. So it’s like having a practitioner here from the city, to show the life of a writer. It’s my pleasure and privilege then, to help them get published, the next generation. That’s a beautiful thing; it gives meaning to what I do.”

When telling stories, Lanzillotto engages her audience with verbal conviction, along with using a curved stick covered with yarn and keys known as her “ritual stick.” The center of the stick contains a hanging iron bell that gets swooshed around during performances.

“I go by the writer James Cagney, ‘Stand up, plant your feet, and tell the truth.’ Express yourself; tell the truth of your heart. That’s what I go by,” said Lanzillotto.

When offstage, Lanzillotto’s main interest towards NJCU is to have students partake and generate stories through their “action writing.”

“I’d like to inspire students to do solo shows, and to write them and act them, and direct themselves, or direct each other,” said Lanzillotto.

With her action writing, Lanzillotto sets up huge pieces of paper on the floor and have students use writing tools such as pastel, ink, pencils, and pens and “perform” what they write.

“I want to bring the structure and the feeling of the words, what their physical, emotional, spiritual, [properties] mean deep down,” said Lanzillotto.

In addition, Lanzillotto has brought “Hearings” to NJCU, which is basically an open mic for music, poetry and all types of spoken word performances: A block of time and day, for students to share with each other all their creative talents and thoughts. These hearings are held in Grossnickle Hall, room 114, from 5 to 8 pm every Thursday as of fall 2013, and will continue (on Thursdays) into the spring 2014 semester.

“If any student wants to have time with me about their creative writing, or about the life of an artist, come to Action Writing every Thursday, either this semester or next semester, [and] email me or text me. Come sit with me here; I will hear your heart and work with it.” said Lanzillotto.

For more information, feel free to contact Annie via any of the following:

Email: lanzillotto@gmail.com

Websites: www.annielanzillotto.com, www.lisforlion.com

Facebook: Annie Rachele Lanzillotto

Rock trios aren’t dead

Rock trios aren’t dead

Ravens Ballroom (L to R), vocalist/guitarist Matthew Ravens, bassist/vocalist Simi Ravens and drummer Jon Rosenbaum. *Photo courtesy of Matthew Ravens

By Roberto Miranda

For those of you that do not know, rock music still looms in northern New Jersey. Consisting of only three members, post-punk, psychedelic rock band Ravens Ballroom has generated critical acclaim in just a short amount of time with the success of their first EP, “Rain Dance.”

Performing regularly in New York, headlining smaller venues, and having opened for protopunk singer David Johansen, Ravens Ballroom is looking to expand their audience to Hudson County and neighboring areas. Having been a fan of songs like “L’ A nima,”“Fat Cat Sinner,” and their live rendition of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” I got the chance to speak to NJCU student Simona Martore, also known as “Simi Ravens,” bassist of Ravens Ballroom.

RM: Please tell me a bit about yourself, JCU, and the other band members. I’m always intrigued to know something about a band’s off-stage persona, especially academics.

SR: My name is Simona Martore, performing under the name Simi Ravens. My role in the band is bass guitar, vocals and percussions. I currently live in Livingston, New Jersey, but I’m originally from Rome, Italy, where I was born and bred. My major is History. I have a 3.97 GPA.

The other members of the band are Matthew Lahm, performing under the name Matthew Ravens. He is both an employee and alumnus of NJCU with a BFA and MFA in Art. He’s the lead singer and guitarist. Jon Rosenbaum is our drummer.

RM: Where is the band currently based?

SR: It is based in Livingston, NJ.

RM: When did Ravens Ballroom originally form?

SR: Matt and I have been playing together for about ten years. We met Jon a couple of years ago, and we played together in another band until 2011. After- wards Jon, Matt and I formed Ravens Ballroom. Our previous band was a five- piece act. We decided to form a trio for a series of reasons. We were mostly looking for a purer, clearer sound. Furthermore, I played guitar in our last band, but Matt and I have such a strong melodic and rhythmic connection that we felt we needed to simplify our line-up to emphasize that. To support that, I transitioned to bass. As a trio, we achieved the sound and chemistry that we wanted.

RM: How much music altogether, including EP’s, singles, and so forth, has the band released?

SR: We released our first EP this past April. We will start recording our first full length album around January 2014. We left a lot of material that was written previously off the first record on purpose. The next album will feature some more introspective, powerful and edgy songs that we didn’t feel would have worked on the EP in terms of tone and theme. We write a lot of music, Matthew especially; we’re never short of material.

RM: Tell me about the music video, is it for L’Anima? Comment on the message, inspiration, and the names of any NJCU students involved.

SR: The video is for L’Anima, correct. Anima in Italian means soul. Matt wrote the lyrics and the music for the song thinking about Earth and its power to shake people’s lives. We can’t stop a volcano from erupting, and L’Anima is all about this aspect of the human condition: the mighty power of the elements. It’s a celebration of life in death. It is both metaphysical and worldly. We are very excited about this video. We are collaborating with James Impellizzeri, Rebecca Satz and Cameron Taddeo who are doing a great job interpreting the song.

RM: Great choice with L’Anima, I was wondering about its message; it’s undoubtedly an interesting tune, easily a favorite of mine the moment I heard the EP.

RM: Are there any upcoming events, or short term goals Ravens Ballroom is looking to achieve?

SR: Ravens Ballroom will perform at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ, on December 28. We will debut our video before our performance. It’s very exciting! That is the only show we have booked for the winter, because as I mentioned earlier, we will be busy recording our first full length album in the winter.

RM: Awesome, I’m familiar with that venue. I’m digging the idea of an NJCU affiliated, young band recording a full length; it’s been a while since I heard a full length album by a local rock group.

Thank you for your time.

For more information on Ravens Ballroom, please visit: http://www.ravens- ballroom.com and http://www.facebook. com/ravensballroom


http://www.gothictimes.net/2013/12/20/rock-trios-arent-dead/

“How Experiencing AFI and Beyond the View Changed Me in 2009

          It was Wednesday, November 11th, 2009, and my close friend and bandmate Tommy Chacon and I were on our way to meet one of our favorite bands in just a matter of hours.  I couldn’t have been more excited; there were endless questions racing through my mind: How is this experience of going to Philadelphia to see AFI going to change me as a fan, musician, and person?  Will I be truly convinced that there are other diehard fans out there, besides Tommy and I that have had their lives changed thanks to this band? Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out: I definitely had to go and experience it.  

            My band Beyond the View was formed in 2009 and consisted of myself and Kristian Gonzalez on guitars, with Kristian as the lead vocalist.  My other friend Daniel Busnelli was on bass and Tommy joined last and played drums; Kristian and I met Tommy after messaging him through a Myspace musician's ad and began rehearsing within our first week of getting in contact with each other.
(Beyond the View; circa 2009; L to R, Kristian, Tommy, Daniel, and myself at our rehearsal studio)

            Tommy and Kristian ended up becoming close friends of mine.  Within a matter of two weeks, I had slept over Tommy's friend Joe Gallagher's home in West Milford before meeting Tommy's father Alfredo Chacon, and his side of the family.  Going there really exposed me to Tommy's best friends in an encouraging way.  Shortly after, I managed to get a job as a cashier thanks to Tommy.  He worked at QuickChek in West New York and referred me shortly after meeting me.

            As for my relation with Kristian, I met him while visiting a friend named Fortunato, whom I played Guitar Hero with.  Kristian and I became competent Guitar Hero 1, 2, and 3 contestants amongst our friends; we also played guitar and sang during 2006-2008, when we weren't bandmates.  Kristian was classically trained and sang bass and baritone ranges during that time.  As for me, I was in a punk band named Esoteric Mishap during 2006, and a metal/hardcore band named Destroy Your Will in 2008; I had a different guitar style, and a shouty, not-so-classically-trained vocal style.  Despite our differences, Kristian and I shared mutual favorite bands such as Thrice, Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, Bon Jovi, and Guns N Roses; we enjoyed making alternative music with Tommy and Danny in Beyond the View.

            Nights of jamming to unplugged electric guitars in my kitchen, or in Tommy's living room at 4 am while everyone slept; during our twelve months together, that was the kind of band we were.  We loved it.  Every time we played a show, whether to 30 people or 100, Tommy, Kristian, Danny, and I were beyond thankful.  Aside from praising each other as musicians, we were grateful for our influences.

            Without our outside musical influences and the encouragement friends, fans, and favorite bands (Alter Bridge, Muse, Radiohead, Blink182, AFI, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Bon Jovi, etc.), there would be no inspiration.  There would be no fire inside.  However, Tommy and I were on the train to Philadelphia from Newark Penn Station when reality hit us; we were going to meet "A Fire Inside,” we were going to meet AFI within a matter of hours!  This was the light of hope that Tommy and I needed since Danny had to leave the band in late August of 2009 due to his father not wanting him to play bars on Sunday nights during his upcoming senior year of high school.

            On my train ride to Philadelphia, I thought about how I got into AFI and what kind of impact they had on me.  Is it really possible to have people come from neighboring states to catch a show?  I guess so, I mean, I was traveling to see them!  It was then that the thought of having fans come from other states to see me became inspiring.  If AFI could change their sound that much and bring people from other areas to their show after nearly two decades of being together, then there must be a chance for Beyond the View to do that someday.
            I was introduced to the band around 2001 upon hearing their 2000 single "The Days of the Phoenix;” ever since then, I was hooked.  I took the time to listen to all of their previous releases as I stayed up to date with their 2003 and 2006 albums Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground.  Around 2008, I wished to become closer with AFI’s official fan community known as the “Despair Faction.”  I also read many interviews that stated that AFI would be doing more Meet N’ Greets, along with playing smaller venues in hopes of “getting closer” to their fans, as vocalist Davey Havok stated earlier in a press release. I anticipated every release date since then; however, I never considered persuading anyone to come to one of their shows with me since none of my friends understood my musical respect for AFI like Tommy did.

(Top to Bottom: AFI circa 2000, and 2003)

            I feel that a lot of people misunderstand AFI for being musically mediocre, or too "image based".  Growing up, I heard a lot of people complain about how AFI's sound and image have changed from angry 1990's punks into a fashion friendly, 80's influenced, alternative rock band.  None of that mattered to me.  I sincerely enjoyed all of their music and was beyond ecstatic at the thought of meeting them, regardless if they were punk or new-wave sounding.  After all, being in a successful band with no musical boundaries is a rare thing for most people; I wanted to follow suit in the sense of being as free, original, and ultimately, as creative as possible as a musician.

            After getting off the train, Tommy and I arrived at downtown Philadelphia and immediately began our voyage to Main Street Music.
            “Dude! We’re in Philly!” exclaimed a happy Tommy before asking for directions.
Little did we know, this music store was quite the hike from our location, and our 6:00 event start time was approaching.  Nevertheless, after confusing a bus driver as to where we were going (the guy clearly didn't know where Main Street was), Tommy and I proceeded to run downhill as fast as we can, passing a Subway sandwich store located in between our starting point and destination that said "Open 24/7.”  Seeing that was a relief; we were both in unfamiliar territory, and seeing a 24/7 spot served as a guide as to where to go once we return from the signing in case we happened to get lost later on that night.
            “AFI! Main street music! AFI! Run Rob, run!”
            “AFI! Running! Downhill! We got this!”

            After about 10 minutes of sprinting downhill, Tommy and I arrived at Main Street music.  Sweaty and out of breath, we felt like we just ran for a grade.  On the contrary, Tommy and I were at peace mentally; we made it.  We then entered Main Street Music and that’s where our adventure really became fun; a young lady handing out wristbands at the door began speaking to everyone in line as they approached the store’s entrance. 
            “Are you here for the signing?” she asked.
            “Yes I am! My buddy and I came all the way from Jersey City, NJ, right across from New York City.”  I said.
            “Oh! How awesome! Well you’d have to buy a copy of Crash Love if you’d like to get in the line for the Meet N’ Greet.”
            “Not a problem!”
            I didn't care about buying another copy of the album I already had.  All I knew was that these guys were going to sign it, I was going to show them my red and black "Sing the Sorrow" leaves tattoo upon meeting them, talk about how much they've influenced me, and my day was going to be made.  Nothing else mattered.

            When it came to choosing my handful of favorite bands, I always based my decision solely on the music and the artist's charisma as a person.  To me, AFI fit my criteria perfectly, but I did not know what speaking to them would be like; I was just as excited as I was nervous.  To our surprise, Tommy and I were greeted first when it came to be time to meet the band.
 
[AFI Circa 2009; L to R, Adam Carson (drums), Davey Havok, (vocals), Hunter Burgan (bass), Jade Puget (guitar)]
            “Hey! How’s it going?” said Drummer Adam Carson.
            “Whew! Adam! Nice to meet you! My name is Tommy, and this is my bro Rob -”
            “Hey Adam, nice to meet you!” I interrupted, while smiling and shaking his hand.
            “So yeah, Rob and I came here all the way from Jersey City, New Jersey, which is right across from New York, just to meet you guys here in Philly today!”
            “Wow, that’s awesome!  I’m flattered.  So tell me something about you guys besides your journey. What is going on with you two at the moment?”  Adam asked.
            “Well, we’re in a band named Beyond the View, and we just got done recording a 2 song demo last month.  We formed in January.”
            “Sweet! Beyond the View, Beyond the View, Beyond the View, that’s a cool band name. I’m gonna write that down.” 
            As Adam wrote “Myspace.com/Beyondtheview”, I felt my heart race with excitement; I never felt like such a fanboy. 
            “So Adam, I have one request.  I ended up getting a copy of Crash Love, but it’d mean the world to me if you could sign this snare drumhead I brought.  I know it’s only one item to be signed per guest, so I figured this would be it.” Tommy said.
            “Sure thing! Don’t worry, I’ll sign the CD too,” said Adam.
            Knowing Adam had just “broken the rules” of the signing made me even more chipper.  Unfortunately, our time with him was up since the line was moving along; however, it was time to meet Jade Puget, one of my biggest guitar influences.

            “Hey Jade! My name’s Roberto. I’m from Jersey City, New Jersey, about 15 minutes away from New York City.” I said.
            “Sweet. I’m glad you could make it here.  How was your journey?”
            “Not too bad, just took a few trains and ran down that monstrous hill.  I know you guys are bombarded with fans, but how are you feeling? Tired? I know being far from home must be tough.”           

            “It’s a bit tough, but always exciting.  Meeting new fans is always a plus.” Jade said, smiling.
            “Awesome! I know the line is going to get moving, but I just wanna mention guitars for a bit, since I play guitar as well.”
            “Go for it! What do you play?” he asked.
            “I definitely play alternative rock; however, I’m using a Schecter.  It’s got a bit of a metal-sound to it; I’ve been thinking about switching to Gibson, any advice?”  I asked.
            “Les Pauls and SG’s are my favorites.  Find one with a thick body if you wanna retain a strong, metal-like, but not so overdriven guitar tone for that sound.  See what works best for you.”
            “Sounds good, I’ll keep that in mind.  By the way, I love your picking dynamics. Learning a few of your melodies has made me a better guitarist, and I just wanted to say thank you, in all sincerity.  I loved your interview for Alternative Press 2006; your quote of “finding your own style” has inspired me to just play more without thinking about the negatives of what other guitarists think of my style.” I said.

            “As warm as that sounds, you owe a big thanks to yourself for pushing yourself to learn new techniques.  I’m glad to have influenced you though. Thank you.  I’m glad someone out there appreciates the smaller things I do.”
            Just hearing Jade say that before I snuck a picture with him made me realize that he has some of the concerns I’ve been having in terms of musicianship.  Can the artist and the fan influence each other? Despite that answer being an obvious yes, this was a firsthand experience that embodied that.  Again, I was inspired; I then proceeded to meet AFI Vocalist Davey Havok.
            Davey Havok is one of those people you either enjoy or despise.  Havok, formerly known for his angry half-yelling half-singing vocal style, now uses his clean, vibrant, tenor range to express his lyrics.  His image and sound have changed the most since the band's beginning, and that’s something people either get accustomed to or annoyed by.  Regardless of what others think about Havok's lyrics or sexual identity, I enjoyed our first encounter.
            “Hey Davey! Nice to meet you!” I said, in pure excitement.
            “Hey man! What’s your name, where are you from? and what is up!?” said Havok, smiling from cheek to cheek.
            After repeating my “I’m Roberto, from Jersey City, New Jersey, about 15 minutes away from New York” introduction, I began speaking openly about music and his influence on me as he nodded contently, making eye contact to the point where you knew he was giving you his undivided attention.  It was comforting to know that a contemporary lead vocalist of one of my favorite bands was immensely polite and passionate towards me.
            “I’m digging the 80’s influences on this album.  I hear a bit of The Cure and Morrissey on this album.  As far as influences go, you’re definitely a big influence on expanding my vocabulary, stage presence, and my vocals.”
            “Wow, what an honor!  I truly appreciate it.  Morrissey, Queen, Robert Smith, the guys in Depeche Mode, and many others, even the fans! They’re all influences to me!  I’m glad I could be that artist to you,” said Havok.
            This answered my question in a word for word fashion: Artists and fans influence each other.  At this point, it felt surreal; I felt as if I were uncovering life’s biggest secrets.
            After speaking with Havok and joking with Bassist Hunter Burgan about a bald waiter I met that I thought looked like him, Hunter gave me some great advice.
            “Aspiring musicians should play the right shows.  It doesn’t matter how many shows you play, but just make them count.  Get your name out there; be friendly to the fans, the other bands’ fans, the people at the venue, and most importantly, have fun.”
            The words resonated in my head. This led me to show the band my Sing the Sorrow leaves tattoo before attempting to leave the line (so other fans could advance).
            “So yeah, I pretty much wanted all four of you to see this before I go.”  I said, as I rolled up my sleeve.

   (L to R; My Sing the Sorrow leaves tattoo, AFI’s Sing the Sorrow album cover)
            “Oh wow! That’s awesome!” said Adam
            “All because of you guys! What an album!” I said, smiling.
            “You are truly endearing. It is fans like you that keep us going.” said Havok.
            This was one of the highlights of my journey to Philadelphia.  I had never met an established band at a Meet N’ Greet; seeing all 4 members smile as other fans said “cool!” made this all feel like a fantasy. All eyes were on me and everyone was happy.

(Me with a picture of my signed copy of Crash Love,  2009)
            As a matter of fact, I got so side tracked and excited after talking to Havok and Hunter to the point where Havok's "Roberto! You forgot something!" made me turn around with the most surprised, yet, relieved rush I've ever experienced.  Not only did one of my favorite singers call me from across the room, but everyone stared as I scurried back to the table to pick up my CD after a shrill sounding "Yes?  Oh!" response to Havok's reminder.

            It seemed as if this band had an honest appreciation for their old and new fans, doing their best to remember each and every one despite playing in front of thousands of people upon a tour's end.  Playing a lot of shows with encounters afterwards can make it tough for bands to remember names; however, AFI reconnected with many fans of previous releases afterwards, engaging in photos and a room illuminated by smiles.  I thought to myself: Does it get any better than this?

            My question would then be answered as Tommy and I left Main Street Music, our answer came in the form of joking around with AFI's tour manager, Smith Puget.
     (Smith Puget)

            “Hey Smith! You’re the man!” I shouted.
            “I’m the man!? (looks around) … Me? You’re cool for saying that, but you’ve got it all wrong!” said Smith, laughing.  The younger brother of guitarist Jade, Smith greeted us with a strong grip and arm wrestled me without any sign of warning shortly after.
            “So are you guys coming to the Electric Factory to see AFI tomorrow night?” he asked, as other fans waiting in line outside of the store began to cheer.
            “Wait! AFI’s playing here tomorrow!?” I asked, excitedly.
            “Yup!  Tomorrow night at the Electric Factory, right here in good ol’ Philly!” He answered.
            “How much!? We thought it was just a signing!” said Tommy, excited as well.
            “$20 a pop.  You want two tickets?”
            "Dude,” said Tommy, “You're NOT going to class tomorrow! I don’t want to hear it!"

            “Word!! This is awesome!! I had no idea they were playing tomorrow night!  Sweet!”
            As much as I hated missing school, I had an absence to spare for my Thursday Night English 102 class at Hudson County Community College.  Regardless, I didn't have much of a choice since I already was having the time of my life; plus, I didn't want to go home by myself from Philadelphia!  Tommy and I stuck together, jogged uphill to Subway, and after footlong Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwiches, Baked Lays, a bathroom break, and refilling our large combo drinks, we decided to get a cheap, $60, motel room about an hour's worth of walking from Main Street Music.

            Tommy and I were having our most adventurous day in the history of our friendship, and it in fact, was about to get better.  We managed to get a few 32 oz Budweisers and Bud Lights to finish our night. We then got drunk and talked about how much we wanted our band to prosper.
            “Man, seeing that line of fans really has me inspired.  I can’t wait for the show tomorrow, and coming back to Jersey is going to be so different for me, in a good way.”  I said
            “Yeah, if only Kristian were here…” said Tommy.
            To me, our music could wait.  During this time, we were the fans waiting to see our favorite band, and it felt great; however, the next day was just as welcoming as it wasn't.
            "Room Service! You guys have 15 minutes to leave!" said the maintenance woman as Tommy and I greeted our hangovers.  Despite not vomiting, I still felt awful. I was pale.  After walking outside of the hotel, Tommy and I searched for a McDonald's and walked slowly in favor of our pounding headaches, only to be soaked in rain.

            After about an hour of dehydration and a long wait for a trite tasting cream cheese bagel at some small breakfast stand in a shopping plaza, Tommy and I got to McDonald's and managed to get my “hangover curing” Fruit and Walnut salad.  My hangover was gone, and Tommy couldn't help but network with a few older women about our voyage.  Thank God I was with a social person who had experience in customer service!  His friendly conversational skills led to our use of their laptop by Googling directions from our location thanks to the McDonald's Wifi. We then left McDonald's and ended up catching a bus that took us to the downtown section of Philadelphia for $2.00.

            Downtown Philadelphia had many marble benches and statues to accompany its White House resembling architecture.  Everything was grand; the streets were finely paved as the curbs were smooth, yet multicolored.  It felt liberating to walk the streets of “Brotherly Love” with Tommy.
            “And to think, you could be getting ready for class right now,” said Tommy.
             “Ha!” I replied, not even wanting to think about school.

            We then made our way towards The Electric Factory, the venue where everything was going to happen; thankfully, it wasn't far away from our food stop. Eating a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly was a nice bite and future bragging right bonus.

            We got to the venue, and after showing our tickets, a punk band from the UK named "Gallows” opened the show.  About an hour later, AFI took the stage; more fans were in attendance, they chanted, “THROUGH OUR BLEEDING WE ARE ONE!” from AFI’s 2000 album, Black Sails in the Sunset.  This was the real deal.
            “Hello everyone! …We are… AFI!” said Havok.
            They began their set to the track "Torch Song," the opener to their Crash Love album.  Throughout their set, I was amazed.  Singer Davey Havok hit just about every note while sporting a shiny golden blazer for the first few songs of the set, immediately gainining crowd control.  Guitarist Jade Puget was as accurate as humanly possible, utilizing various chord shapes before nailing his Eddie Van Halen like, tap solo to the song "Dancing Through Sunday," a fan favorite.

            Hunter and Adam did not miss a beat either.  Together, Hunter's bass and Adam's crisp sounding; golden drumset filled my ears with a sense of rhythm that made me move all throughout the show.  And then it happened.
            “Dude, this is the song “On the Arrow,” you don’t know this one, but I know you’ll like it.  Adam always comes up front and center with the other three members and plays the shaker to this song.” I said.

            “Sweet!  Sounds like something I’d do on a slower song. Dude!! I’m gonna hold up the drumhead he signed, hopefully he’ll see us.” Tommy said.
              Adam then vividly recognized us; he made eye contact, winked and smiled before scanning the audience for other fans.
            “DID YOU SEE THAT!?” asked Tommy, with full volume and excitement.
            “AM I NOT YOUR BRAIN TWIN!?” I responded, just as excited.
            Since Adam is normally behind the drumset, his view is limited when it comes to looking at big crowds.  Seeing him see Tommy’s signed drumhead as he played a shaker for the mini ballad made my night.

            Being a guitarist, I had always followed Jade's guitar parts and always was curious as to how all of the instrumentation would be replicated live since he was the only guitarist in the band. The studio version of songs had many guitar layers, so it felt refreshing hearing the drums and bass stand out a bit more.  It was like a new part to songs that I had already grown familiar with.  Knowing this satisfied more of my quest for musical knowledge; it made me re-realize just how important it is to have a strong drum and bass connection, it made me miss Danny in a bittersweet way.

            AFI concluded the set with their 2006 single "Miss Murder.”  I made my best effort to hurry to the front, advanced about 15 rows.  In moving forward, I was moved around as well. I was excusing my way through singing fans just so I could get as close to the stage as possible.  I ended up losing my voice shouting the "Hey!" backing vocal parts to "Miss Murder", whilst losing track of Tommy as well.

            About 10 minutes after the show, I was reacquainted with Tommy.
            “Hey man, the train is leaving 33^rd street in about 20 minutes.” I said.
            “Let’s go! … NOW!” shouted Tommy.
            “Yeah man, the train is at 11:00.  If we catch this one, we’ll be home in the mid-morning, you know, like around 4-5 am, as opposed to full-blown daylight, 8am-ish, morning time.” I said, shortly before sprinting from 8^th street to 33^rd with Tommy; the show already had us tired and sweaty, this was an excruciating cardio workout.

            We ended up missing our train by a few minutes and had to spend the next 4 hours waiting patiently.  I decided to nap for about an hour as Tommy stayed awake; I was in for an awakening.
            “Dude wake up!” exclaimed Tommy, excited.
            “Huh? What’s up?” said I, cranky.
            “I just got us some free donuts since I was flirting with the young lady from Bangladesh at the Dunkin Donuts counter!”
            “Awesome! You’re a beast!” I said, joyfully before hopping up and hugging my bandmate.
            “You know how I’m a mutt?”
            “You mean, an ItaliPuertoCuban?”  (Tommy was of Italian, Puerto Rican and Cuban descent.)
            “Well yeah, I being a mutt and all, with my ballsy choice of words, convinced her I was from Bangladesh!” Tommy said.
            “No way! Hahahaha!” I was cracking up.
            “I even pointed you out while you napped and told her we missed our last train to New Jersey and that we needed food since we’re on our last few dollars,” said Tommy.  “She was about to throw out a buncha donuts since it was time to change em, but I got her to spare a few. Here, chow down!”
            As I ate, I was convinced that my friend was smarter, wittier, and funnier than I originally had thought.  Tommy always had a funny story to tell; I didn’t know which ones happened to be true, but I’m glad she bought into “him being from Bangladesh.”

            The train ride felt never-ending, but was quite the reward.  Tommy and I kept quiet and slept for about an hour or two on our way back to Newark; we were exhausted.  After we arrived back in Journal Square, I took the bus home as he departed via PATH Train.  The trip was coming to an end.  It was 8:00 am and I had just used the last $1.50 to my name to get home.  I still had the same James Dean shirt, blue striped hoodie, and denim blue jeans that I had originally put on two and a half days ago.  Thankfully, I had showered at the hotel on the first night, so things could’ve been worse.

            Despite this, I felt like I had done something new for once.  Regardless of it being my second time accompanying Tommy for a friendly adventure into a new territory, it was never this extreme and spontaneous.  Although I was back in Jersey City, I remained inspired.

            As a devoted fan, you learn about the importance of your role.  You learn to respect other fans and not to judge other people based off of their appearance, since they might support the same thing you support.  After being a punk fan with a mentally hostile punk attitude during my teenage years, I learned to move on from punk like AFI did.  I began to respect and appreciate artists solely on the fact that they're able to stick together, let alone produce work after years of touring.  My eight and a half months of jamming with Tommy, Kristian and Danny, along with my 2 day trip to Philadelphia, is just a fragment of what these artists endure year after year.

            As for artistic direction, I learned that it is best to not have any preconceived ideas of where your sound is going.  “Finding your own style”, as Jade Puget said, is the key; there shouldn't be any desired artistic direction other than the natural one.  As mundane as it sounds, I became confident in knowing that no one on the planet can replicate my artistic style, and that I should be myself if I honestly want to have any chance in the music industry.  

            Regardless of genre names, only you can truly classify and represent your art.  I can see why AFI moved on artistically. As humans, we only have one chance at life as a whole; in that time we are permitted to do as we please.  In this case, it is a musical career, so why should I not be myself, stick to a certain genre, and limit myself by emulating a sound that's already been achieved?  Why should AFI limit the sounds of their career and stay punk?  People change within moments; so, it is only fair for bands to change their sound over long time periods as well.
          I learned what it is like to be truly inspired and influenced.  Seeing AFI taught me that anything is possible if all members are willing to work together.  Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for Beyond the View since Tommy ended up moving to Texas after his home situation wasn't benefiting him as Kristian began a new work schedule.  Regardless, I wasn't too distraught about BTV not lasting since I had some of the best times of my life with Tommy and Kristian during 2009.  This was just one of them.

When I think 2013, I think Crusade.

          My good buddies in the Jersey City-based band Crusade have released their E.P.  If any of you reading this are not familiar with their music, please take a moment to do so at:
http://www.facebook.com/crusadernj/app_204974879526524

   
           The music will give you a sense of history via melodies and rhythms written from days in and nights out of unrestricted jamming.  When I say I know musicians who click and truly represent something genuine, I let it be known.  Founders Kevin Garetz (guitar), and Steven Schlatmann (drums), didn't know where random days of jamming would go until they were introduced to Danny Busnelli (bass).  Ultimately realizing and utilizing all opportunities to intertwine musical roles perfectly, the band decided to really make sure they were putting out their best material upon writing and confirming all areas of production for this E.P.
          This band could have easily repeated their personal histories had they stuck to their original sound.  Garetz would be leading the way with his voice of encouragement to be mislabeled as "another hardcore vocalist", whereas Busnelli could have easily decided to split time between jamming with Crusade and Protothief.  However, that is not the case.
          Garetz decided to explore other influences and favorite bands such as Toe, Russian Circles and Irepress while Busnelli and drummer Steve Schlatmann remain "guys who play something while Kevin's on another planet.", according to Busnelli.  The band chose the best direction possible and really made sure that the sound Garetz and Schlatmann originally produced was one that would do nothing else but grow once Busnelli became a part of the picture.  Even more so, the chemistry between these 3 musicians is undeniable. As a person who was interested in becoming their second guitar player, there is just a way that these 3 guys work that I do not wish to fuck up!  That's right, your fellow friend Rob would rather support you wholeheartedly than attempt to add to the music and risk ruining it's purity since he feels that the chemistry of the trio that is Crusade is meant to be one of 3 members, that is, at least at this very point in time!
         What encourages me the most about this band's future is that the occasional difference in opinion brings them together rather than apart.  As opposed to differing and dispersing like most of Hudson County's local music scene because someone got their panties in a bunch, this band has really gotten to know themselves as musicians and friends during their 1 year of composing via jamming together and settling for wings and good music shortly afterwards.

(Food is for the brain. Don't vomit meow!)


I may sound like every other musical promoter when I say "check this band out", but I truly mean it.

(Garetz, Schlatmann, Busnelli live in 2012)

For more information concerning myself and my genuine support to Crusade, please check out: http://www.gothictimes.net/2012/11/16/crusade-rocks-the-jersey-city-space-station/

Speaking the truth, writing for you
Stay cool, Stay Blue
RB

Value in Separation

          There comes a point in time when you've just had it.  Enough is enough! No more, none!  For example, when you're reading a book with many characters, twisting plots, and realistic references; your brain tends to become overwhelmed after a certain point.  Too much of something will help bring out the best in you, however, it may also bring out the worst!

          Let's look at overdoses.  The people injecting heroin into their bloodlines enjoy the short term effects of it, but will eventually kill themselves in the long run.  Somewhere during that occurrence, their bodies attempted to tell them that it could not take anymore.

          Overdoses don't have to necessarily result from drugs though.  My definition of a personal overdose pertains to the user more than the content that is being induced upon the recipient.  To me, a personal overdose is when the user willingly chooses to accept more than what is needed.  

          For example, most nutritionists advise men trying to bulk up with minimal fat intake to eat a protein portion that is about the size of their fists, so that their stomachs, which are roughly the size of their fists, can properly digest the food safely, letting the person eating know that their is a certain limit per portion.  Anything above that fist/stomach sized portion, to me, can be considered a personal overdose since it is not needed.  Even more so, an actual overdose in regards to fat intake and arterial failure can be avoided.  

          Does my definition make sense?  I think so.

          Let's look at musicians as well.  Some choose to explore different areas with their sound, while others maintain the sound that got them recognized.  I think that it is safe to say that my favorite bands: AFI, Thrice, The Beatles, Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park, Darkest Hour, have all evolved accordingly.  They took a necessary separation that allowed them to evolve and not write the same record over and over again.

          To all my friends, you know that you do mean the world to me.  You are a huge part of my world and everyday life.  I'd hate to lose any of you.  Please realize that I do distance myself from you to allow you to not depend on me on an everyday basis.  I feel that as a friend, it is my job to be there for you to the best of my ability.  However, that is not to say that I want to become a part of your everyday life.  We are different, but we have qualities that unite us, and me not being there for all of you all the time has a value.  One cannot progress if they find themselves constantly leaning on the shoulder of another.  At one point, we must all grow our wings and fly to the skies of our desires.  I can't be the one stopping you; that's the last thing a friend should do.  

          This is not to say that I am speaking of myself highly, but I feel that everyone is entitled to space, and that their choices upon discovering this are unlimited!  How would you feel if you had the right amount of time off from everyone you knew and ended up discovering a new talent?  

          People always want to go far away for college to "get the experience" and then either never end up going, or some end up going and not liking it. Information is out there, it is up to you to separate yourself from your everyday standards and occasionally push yourself.  The risk is worth the gain; and no, this doesn't necessarily pertain to college.  

          Learning something on your own is just as inevitable as death.  At some point, you've just got to face it, the only questions that can't be answered just yet are always "when?" and "how?"  If your friends are really your friends, time will tell.  Those who wait for you, those who think of you, those who support every single thing you do, those are the truest of all of your friends.  True friends see the benefits of temporary separation since it gives them more free time to pursue and achieve their goals.

          When I don't see a friend for a long time, it is a bittersweet experience, and I love it.  There's nothing worse than saying "eh, I pushed you to the side"; yet, nothing's better than seeing your friend succeed without you after a period of time and still care about you as if not a day has passed since your last gathering.  So to all my friends, I'm not sorry if I haven't seen you in a while, I just feel that you deserve "you time" as much as I deserve "me time".  It's the only way we'll progress.  Forget that person trying to fit into your circle who'll then put themselves in the center of their own universe and use you for their own benefit.  Think of the friend who's known you for years, and is always genuinely happy to see you after extended periods of elapsed time.

RB

The meaning of the beat beneath the blood.

(Stretches, grins) Yeah, it's that time of the year again!  Time to tell myself for the nth time that it's time to make music.  As you may or may not know, I am a guitarist and have been involved with playing music in the Jersey City/Hudson County Area as of 2001.  However, as a guitarist in a rock band, I have been active since 2006. My most recent band "Visions of the Vanished" was at a tough point in time, thus resulting in the hiatus.  I am no longer affiliated with the band as of 2013 in any manners regarding actual member status, or representative status.  It was during this hiatus (announced in September) that I realized that the band was about to go in different directions that even I wasn't ready for, whether with Ernesto or not.  Once Ernesto was out of Visions of the Vanished, I wholeheartedly felt that I'd carry the band/help direct the band in somewhat of a lighter, less technical, less aggressive direction.
          I attempted to write new material in this style and it just didn't feel natural. It felt forced. It felt as if there was this constant pressure once Ernesto was out of the band, because after spending enough time with anyone (say your fellow guitarist from most of 2007-2012) for enough time, you start to resemble them.  Once Ernesto knew he had to prioritize and get himself together without worrying about studio rent and discussions pertaining to the status of members and non members; I knew I had to get myself together and do the same.
          Late August taught me the meaning of the word "safe".  Thanks to keeping calm and helping to maintain peace during a personal frenzy during an acid trip, I realized that things simply are what they are.  I also realized it in a spiritual sense, in the style of : things aren't anything else but what they are.
          I'm not just a guitarist, or someone who'll listen to you, or someone meant to stick with one style of instrumentation, I'm a musician.  I need to experiment and experience other instruments, other sounds, and lastly, other approaches that will let the music speak for itself.  I couldn't do those things with metalcore since I was always listening to other genres; even more so, I was writing music of other genres.  One can argue that I didn't stay true to the band, but I do believe that I just can't ignore myself when it comes to other things that interest me.  It's the discovery of potential that allows anyone to rightfully choose what they'd like to get involved in.
          This is the best I've felt about the music I'm making, and I say that in true sincerity.  This new project will be a matured Roberto that knows nothing better but to listen to the voices in his head when it comes to big decisions.  I don't like comparing myself to anyone else, but, this music can be considered Alternative Rock.  Anyone who knows me and feels that this is a maturer version of Beyond the View can argue so.
I'm looking forward to making new sounds, meeting new people, growing as an artist, and most importantly having fun with this music.
RB

Phelps Shouldn't Have Had to Apologize

Phelps Shouldn't Have Had to Apologize

            Remember the time Michael Phelps was caught smoking marijuana out of a bong in the winter of 2009? Well I’m sure just about everyone does, considering the incident made national headlines; however,  if you did not know; the 22 time Olympian medal winner (18 of those medals being gold) was caught smoking out of a bong while at a University of South Carolina party in February of 2009. The act cost him a 3 month suspension from USA swimming, his endorsement from Kellog’s cereal, and an estimated $100 million in estimated sponsorship spoils.  Shortly after being caught, Phelps apologized.  Despite this, I feel that he is not truly sorry for his actions and that he should not apologize for the actions of his private life, especially actions in which he did not expect to go public.  Had he not been exposed, it would’ve just been another party that took place in his life, thus equating that Phelps saw no harm in deciding to smoke.

            His apology is the following: “I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

            Promising the public that “it will not happen again” is possibly saying that either he will completely stop smoking weed (which I highly doubt since he’s 27 and retired), or that he will not let himself become exposed for a second time.  Phelps could possibly be smoking out of a bong at this very moment in time in the privacy of his home and keeping true to his promise of not letting his fans and “the public” (the media) know of his habits.

            It strikes me as very pitiful that an athlete of Phelps’ caliber has to apologize for his private actions; not so much on Phelps’ behalf, but on the behalf of the public’s outcry for Phelps violating federal law.  It’s not like Phelps was arrested for possession of multiple pounds worth of marijuana; I see that being more of a situation where Phelps would have to issue an apology in order to maintain his All-American, iconic status as a role model and swimming icon, but Phelps apologizing for smoking a plant that is arguably the most medicinal of all “recreational drugs?”  Requiring Phelps to apologize on such an instance is about the same as telling Bill Clinton to apologize for lying to the nation about possessing marijuana and claiming “not to have inhaled” it.          

What’s even more upsetting is that Phelps will be remembered for this one untimely moment in his career in opposition to being revered for all of his accomplishments.  If there’s anyone that has to apologize, it’s those who've judged Phelps based on knowing this fact alone.  Everyday people who do not stay up to date with sports will now know of Phelps’ history as “an athlete that got caught smoking weed” instead of considering his reputable achievements. 

According to writer Chris Chase of Yahoo Sports, “Eighty-one percent of Phelps' medals are gold. None of the next 20 Olympians with the highest medal counts have as good a percentage as that, and only Carl Lewis (nine golds in 10 medals) has a better ratio in the top 40.”   Let’s be honest, a person with records like that shouldn’t be required to apologize by any means for taking a bong hit when statistics from USA Today report that 20% of (2012) college students admittedly smoke marijuana.

So if 1/5^th of the nations college students (commonly referred to as “the leaders of tomorrow”) smoke weed and clearly violate their school’s recreational drug use/tolerance rule, that’s just a statistic. Yet, if there’s a picture of Michael Phelps smoking up, it’s suddenly breaking news that he is caught, and therefore, as a sports icon, has to apologize for his “youthful and inappropriate ways”.  This is unnecessary.  Is there nothing else going on in the world of athletes today that the media has to focus on someone who would be one of the every five college students that smokes pot regularly had he not been a record breaking, Olympic Superstar?   

Phelps should not have apologized for his actions because America (as a whole) has been and is still fighting for marijuana legalization.  As of November 8^th, 2012, the states of Colorado and Washington have legalized the adult use and possession of marijuana. Despite its remaining illegal in many states, marijuana advocates writing for High Times list a valid reason for the plant’s legalization:                

            "Marijuana is not a lethal drug and is safer than alcohol. It is an established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible, and marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco. It is unfair and unjust to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than the users of alcohol or tobacco."

If Phelps had to apologize for smoking a “drug” that is now legal and scientifically proven to be safer than alcohol and tobacco, then he had nothing to be apologetic for; because at the end of the day, he is still just one of many fellow Americans who happened to smoke cannabis at a college party in 2009.

Stay blue, stay cool.
RB