Sentimental Illness

Tanya Elizabeth and Eddie DeCesare are benevolent souls: Kind people who give of their time and opinions and whom I am immensely impressed with as musicians and people. 

Monochromatic Black isn't just another 'female fronted' metal band. To be honest, I really don't like that Monochromatic Black is oftentimes compared to Jinjer or Arch Enemy, simply because both bands have women as front persons. 

I know everyone wants to have a reference point ahead of time when discovering new bands, and I've been guilty of it too, but these are people with their own style, and the band has its own sound, which sounds nothing like the bands people compare them to. I guess we all need a starting point when it comes to art, but it's my hope you'll dive a little deeper with me.

Originally, we had a much different show prepared, but limits on time and availability (this was recorded during the holidays) kept us tight and didn't allow us to dive as deep as we'd hoped. I hope you'll give this band the attention they deserve, even if I didn't, simply because.... again.... they are super interesting, talented, and absolutely worth your time. 

All I know is that I had to have them on the show because they are truly special people to me. I'm hosting them today, because I want you to discover the band before they head out on tour at the beginning of the year. Before their schedules no longer allow them to work with the smaller guys like me. I want you to know what you're in for and who you're going to meet and listen to. I want you to know them, so here's your chance. 

Let's welcome these extraordinary talents. It makes me truly happy to have them on the show today.  What a great way to end the year!

Ladies and gentlemen, Tanya and Eddie from Monochromatic Black!!!

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Time Codes:

1:00 When interviewers ask the same dumb questions over and over
1:45 Bands and video games
3:30 When the talent overrides your curiosity
6:30 Tiring of comparisons
8:50 The progressive element of metal
10:50 The music and feel comes first
13:00 When Jinjer was a groove metal band
15:30 When we release music before it's ready
18:45 How does Monochromatic Black overcome being classified as a 'female fronted' metal band?
22:00 Meeting your heroes in person
24:00 The hardest parts of touring life
27:00 When it comes to gear, drummers have it the worst
30:30 Having interests outside of the band
33:00 Being in the right place when it matters
35:00 Knowing what you want to do, no matter what

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths.

Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

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Let's get to the man of the hour, Michel Teyssier of Fields of Naecluda!

Today on the show, we are digging deeper into the music I love the most.  Today's featured artist (and his band) is a French progressive rock band that brings some of the most incredible and delicate music I've heard in quite some time.  Now, when I say delicate, I don't mean soft.  I mean musical choices where the ideas are there and the band, through compression and dynamics, feeds you this musical data one morsel at a time.  

If you're a fan of Porcupine Tree, Haken, Temic, or Dream Theater, I am 100% positive this band is for you.  Incredibly performed and written, this could be, and SHOULD BE, your favorite new thing.  I love love love it.  .... and you will too.

So...

Ladies and gentlemen... dialing in all the way from the middle of Europe, this is my guest Michel Teyssier!

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Time Codes:

2:00 Gratitude for the vocal booth
6:00 Introducing Fields of Næcluda
10:00 Becoming a professional musician
14:00 Raising children to be independent
17:00 The order of releases and intent
21:00 Michel is where he needs to be right now
25:00 Working with a singer from Senegal
29:00 We are all the same
32:00 Proving something to himself
35:00 Does Michel have a drive to be remembered?
38:00 Michel is NOT preaching anything in his music
42:00 Leaving a musical legacy isn't all he cares about

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MONOLOGUE: 

I'm in the process of recording another book, which is a how to... it's a different experience because it's hard to create something evocative that's basically a business how to book.  So, that's been interesting figuring it all out. 

Being home more and working on auditions feels great, but I admit it also makes me feel, at times, kind of pathetic (i get it that it's my own experience as I'm not actually pathetic) because it never fails that the moment I take a break to eat or relax my voice, my family comes home and sees me sitting on the couch. Which... is just great. 

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

This band, BornBroken, is kind of everything for me.

They are heavy, brutal, tight, incredibly well recorded, and everything is well written.  Let's be honest... they are all the things.

Today, I'm fortunate enough to have on the original of originals: The man behind the legacy of the band, Michael Decker.  

If you like hard hitting, straight in the middle of the gut, right down the middle of the alley, heavy music, with no punches pulled, then BornBroken is for you. So, let's get ready to mosh, baby.

Calling in from the magical world of Quebec Canada, this is BornBroken's Michael Decker. Welcome brother!

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Time Codes:

5:00 What is a normal show, anyway?
9:30 Michael was a super independent kid
14:00 Art and design
19:00 Getting into arguments with family members
23:30 Seeing oneself as an artist first and foremost
28:00 If being normal is actually normal
32:00 Managing every aspect of the band
37:30 Christian Donaldson did the production work
42:00 Does Michael get tired of comparisons to Corey Taylor?
46:00 Pantera and Exhorder sound a lot alike
51:00 Writing about things that we were denied of
56:00 Hurting people and moving on as a better person
1:00:00 Who is Mike Decker, really?

THANKS, AS ALWAYS, to Jon Asher from Asher Media (PR) for putting this interview together. You're the best, brother. 

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness 

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

Blake Fleming has kind of done it all.  When I sent my prescreen questions, Blake said he's an open book.  Granted, most say this, but I get the sneaking suspicion that Blake is telling it 100% like it is. 

He's been a part of some of the biggest bands in the world including Dazzling Killmen and Mars Volta. He's worked with Sean Lennon and so many others like The Ropes, Kim Taylor, Israel Nash, and the Lemonheads. He's lived that life, and it is good. 

To quote Blade Runner, he's probably seen things you wouldn't believe, like ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.... or something. 

Blake is an author and solo artist on top of being particularly talented at pretty much everything he touches and now he's here.... just like Freddy Mercury. 

Ladies and gentlemen, an amazing drummer and inspiration, Blake Fleming welcome!
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Time Codes:
7:00 Blake is an amazing talent
10:00 Opening for Eddie Vedder
15:00 Extremism in art
21:00 Great bands coming up in the 90's
25:00 Being a character versus the real musician
31:00 No timpani solos
36:00 Blake started drumming at 8 years old
41:00 Blake has always been a transparent artist
46:00 Talking about Blake's book of rhythms
51:00 Ted Reed's Syncopation
56:00 Playing at very high levels
1:00:00 Stewart Copeland's soundtrack recordings
1:04:00 Living in the Catskills
1:09:00 Working on new solo projects and books

MONOLOGUE: 

Getting past vocal work milestones.  
Turned 58 on Monday.  That's weird.
Who knew I'd be here?  Why are we never where we thought we'd be?
I was supposed to be a contender. 

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Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. 

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

Acacia Ridge is a band that I've grown quite fond of over the last year, and I finally have a chance to interview someone in the band to give me the clarity I seek.... about the band's mission, purpose and future hopes.  

Anson and Christian are founding members... love when bands introduce classical instruments to create a new soundscape. Reminds me of my first experiences with Kansas, which changed the musical landscape for me.
 
Now, don't get me wrong.  Acacia Ridge is no soft sell... they are the real, hardcore, deal and it's my honor to host them here.

Joining me from the distant lands of Utah, please welcome Christian and Anson from Acacia Ridge to the show!

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Time Codes:

2:00 Welcome to Christian and Anson
3:00 What is Utah like, really?
6:00 The fastest growing cities in the US
9:00 The Osmonds and Brainstorm
13:00 Naming bands after locations
17:00 Sincere to a fault
21:00 Lyrics, melodies and the business of the band
24:00 What does loneliness look like?
27:00 Seattle's KUMA
31:00 The purpose behind the band
35:00 Driven by desire to be understood
38:00 Dingwall basses and Nolly Getgood
42:00 Putting time into the details in the songs
46:00 Established bands taking chances

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THIS WEEK IN HISTORY:

Yesterday was NATIONAL NO SUGAR DAY..... which in America is like saying.... national nobody eats day.  It's anathema to who we are and our culture.  Of course, nobody is really doing this, but it's a nice sentiment.  I'm back on the dole as my monologue mentions, at least it cooling down on my sugar intake... diabetes and all that. What is your take on our eating habits here?  The land of fat angry people with guns?

In 1995, Oasis released "What's the Story Morning Glory" to acclaim and whatever else, selling 347,000 copies in its first week.  ....and now, they are back together again.  Do you have a take on Oasis in general?  My first encounter with them was in print, where PJ Harvey stated that her work is artistic and challenging, unlike Oasis, which just cracked me up. 

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths.

Please consider supporting the show. Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness 

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

Joey Callahan is a working comedian and geniunely one of the funniest I've heard in a long time. I love his style and wit and his old school approach and delivery.  To me, he's a Carson's comic and I hope that's okay to say.

I am not a fan of comparing anyone to anything but I think it's an honorable connection to say that his styleeminds me of the best classic comedians of old, particularly David Brenner and Rich Little.  I don't think he does impressions either, but there's something in his look and delivery that reminds me of both of these guys and I think that says a lot.  

So, all that really matters is Joey is here with me today and he's a wonderful, funny, exceptionally kind man who deserves to be heard....and you're hearing him today! Welcome Joey!

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Time Codes:

2:30 Needing a good laugh
6:00 Philadelphia living
10:00 Boring white dads
14:00 Fitting into a genre that isn't taken
18:00 Putting up the force field
23:00 Second marriages and the insanity of men
28:00 A normal day for Joey
34:00 Joey doesn't chase fame
40:00 Enjoy the pickle!
46:00 Love and admiration and need
51:00 My Three Sons and Little Rascals
56:00 Writing and developing a comedy show
1:01:00 The good angel and the bad angel
1:06:00 Did we have a good time?

Joey is promoting his new Drybar Comedy Special "Joey Callahan the Notorious F.O.D. (Father of Daughters) - It's hilarious and awesome. Watch it today.  Link HERE:

https://www.drybarcomedy.com/joey-callahan-the-notorious-f-o-d



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THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Today is National Comic Book Day.  That probably doesn't mean much to most, and it doesn't mean that much to me, but there was a time when it meant everything. 

MONOLOGUE: 

Still sick.  Still doing voices.  Still wondering what the hell is wrong with me.

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

My guest today is Connor Blackwood, the front man for Alchemize.

This band does things really well and, as you know, music like this is the reason I do the show to begin with. People need to hear when bands tie genres together, because great things happen. The rest is the discovery process.

That's what we're doing today. Discovering Connor and his awesome band, Alchemize.

So... let's get to it... what do you say?

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Time Codes:

3:00 A buddy of mine knows his music
6:00 There's something about Smelly Cat
11:00 Capturing an audience when you're attractive
16:00 Connor's motto is "just go for it"

This is where the reactions were!

18:00 Self Diagnosis: Connor is looking to grow his vocal skillset
23:00 Stepping out of your comfort zone
29:00 Members of the band are now pseudo celebrities
35:00 Owning one's feelings into the future
40:00 Unintentional creative sabotage
45:00 When you miss a moment that really matters
51:00 Flashbacks to 50 Cent
56:00 Always second guessing
1:01:00 His band has a plan and it's all coming together


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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

Today, my guest is someone I admire for his talents as a musical phenom.  

Hailing from the Chicago area, or at least the band does, Michael Bala of Necronomicon Ex Mortis is the kind of guy I really enjoy talking to. He's a serious talent, and his voice deserves to be amplified.

Here's the thing. I really believe that most public relations outlets don't give extreme metal its due. Sure, it may not be your personal taste, but it takes just as much talent, if not a TON more, to play the musical passages these monster musicians do.  

In fact, as I say often, I can only assume the best classical composers would be metal musicians if they were alive today.  I would think that Stravinsky might be in this band.  We shall see, eh?

Ladies, gentlemen, from the depths of Midwest hell comes my guest.  Michael Bala... welcome, brother!

Time Codes:

2:00 I can do voices
6:00 Tiktok music
10:00 The vanilla changes the flavor
14:00 Beavis and Butthead and Stuart
19:00 The exploding comet
23:00 Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn
27:00 Iron Maiden is Michael's fave band
33:00 Modern death metal guitars
37:00 Horror movies of the early 80s
42:00 The Berklee version of Michael
46:00 Michael prefers classical metal to the modern sludge
51:00 When a huge song is out of tune
56:00 The perfect moment for metal music
1:02:00 Strapping Young Lad 
1:06:00 Telling our bosses off for real
1:11:00 When music is trapped in your brain

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MONOLOGUE: 

Started recording an audio book for a company. They found me. They picked me. BUT, I still feel the pangs of imposter syndrome. It's weird how that works.  I sent them my first take yesterday for pacing and I was expecting to get fired. Then, I get the response and it's highly positive and affirming, which basically says that the devil on your shoulder is louder and then, I wonder why?  

Why do we give power to the negative over the positive?  Why does that happen?  Why do we do it with politics, celebrity marriages, religion?  WHY WHY WHY?

THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

In 2018 Pope Francis condemns sexual abuse. Supposedly, this is the first time it's actually ever addressed by the man at the top. I don't want to make a statement about religion/catholicism here, but I will say that the commentary sure seems late to the party. All said, at least it's a start. I'm not sure how we should address this, but it's a tough one. I didn't grow up Catholic, but I did grow up in the church and to me, it's always been one of those things that I feel ruins it for everyone. Like, so many things. Too harsh to talk about?

What about someone like Mother Theresa who sacrificed her life to serve others who couldn't serve themselves, let alone anyone else?

BIRTHDAYS:

My cousin Debby was born on this day in 1966, so happy 58th Debby!

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths.
Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness
 
Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

This is a very special AUDIO ONLY version of our show. This week's guest is the mindblowing artist, Mack Chami.

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Mack Chami. 

If you're like me, you like most styles of music, if not all. You love when people take huge chances or live their life through their music. You love the drama and chance of it all. You love how it hits you.  

How music makes you sentimental or angry. How it curves the earth around your ears. Mack's music does that to me when I put it on in my car. When I'm vacuuming my house. When I'm doing anything.  

Because his project, God is War, plays instrumental soundscapes, it can be anything. The music takes over. You can swirl in its madness or get caught up in its beats. It's not noise, but it's all noise. I imagine learning about Mack today may have the same effect.

Let me say one last thing.  It may not be inspired by it, but if there's one thing I love about his music is it sounds like it belongs in a David Lynch movie, where the most terrifying people are hanging out near the edges of the room, waiting for you to leave so they can mug you at the car.  It's brilliant.

So...  let's get to it.  This is Mack Chami!

Time Codes:

4:00 When you're abandoned by a parent
7:00 Mack's listeners love to be challenged
10:30 Conversation starters are just that
13:30 Finding Slipknot and heavy music changed everything
16:40 Tons of arguments
20:00 Passion means "to suffer"
23:30 Figuring out HOW to make music
27:00 Growing up was rough on Mack
31:00 The first single just dropped off the new album
34:00 The Netflix movie, The Platform
37:00 How do we get out of the hole?
40:00 Making it through the roughest patches
43:30 Touring is a thing for Mack and that's good for us

Make sure you check out Mack's new full length album "Boogeyman Inc." from God Is War which will be available Sept 20th via Profound Lore Records. There is also going to be a God Is War tour supporting shoegaze act Lockstep from Tennessee from October 30th-Novemeber 10th across the midwest, Canada, and the east coast. I know you can't wait, either. 

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.

My guest this week is Benjamin Pitts, vocalist and guitarist for the powerful and mesmerizing melodic death metal band, Nightwraith.

The band has a new record coming out tomorrow and Ben was able to slide in to the calendar and join me today. For that, I'm super grateful. Listen to the show and learn about this fantastic, humble human, who happens to be a total nerd who loves heavy brutal music but has a kind heart of gold. What a mensch.

This is Ben Pitts!

Time Codes:

3:00 Metal guys are the best guys
7:00 Being really cautious about faith stances
10:00 Professing love for David Lynch
14:00 Welcome to the weirdness 
15:00 Slipknot with modern tighter influences
19:00 When Ben started playing and formed his first band
23:00 Offering hope over the darkness of humanity
27:00 The Seattle scene isn't just grunge
31:00 The fastest and the heaviest 
35:00 Being married in other bands
39:00 Musicians are filling the God sized hole with another panacea
44:00 Driven to create and produce good music 
49:00 Taming the tongue is a good idea
51:00 Blackened thrash in New Mexico 
55:00 Fight Club with Ben
59:00 Trapt fans tend to be total goobers

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY: I'm a huge movie buff, so I thought it was cool to mention that the David Lynch film, Blue Velvet, debuted in Toronto 38 years ago today, which is madness because I saw it first run myself. I can't believe that much time has gone by.

SONG OF THE WEEK: BornBroken, from Montreal QC, has a new single out, called Am I Invisible.... which reminds me of some of the best metal out there. It's well produced and thought you might enjoy it. Let me know what it reminds you of, and is that a good thing?

The new NightWraith album 'Divergence' - being released TOMORROW, SEPT 13TH, worldwide. 5 shows in Sept are booked to support the album release.

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths.

Please consider supporting the show.

Watch every UNCENSORED show here: https://www.patreon.com/thisissentimentalillness

Copyright 2024 Sentimental Illness - All Rights Reserved

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sentimental-illness--6163498/support.