The Peverett Phile Interviews: Id Guinness

Hello, welcome back to the Peverett Phile Interviews. Our next guest is a very talented singer who had one album out and is working on another to be released this August. Please welcome to the Phile Id Guinness.

Me: Hello, Id, welcome to the Phile. First of, I have to say that your name makes me thirsty. Is that your real name? I have never heard anyone named Id before. Ed, yes, Id no.

Id: No, it's not my real name although most people call me that now. I used to play in a lot of bands. When I first decided to become a solo artist, I figured I needed a really unique name that people would remember. Originally, I was going to use 'Id Molotov' from A Clockwork Orange but I was talked out of it. I had a song on a compilation album here and while the graphic designer was waiting for my promo shot, he substituted a picture of Sir Alec Guinness in the mock-up. I thought Id and Guinness went well together, so I went with that.


Me: I wanted to interview you because I downloaded the CD "Cure For the Common Crush" from iTunes. Where did that title come from, apart from being one of your songs?

Id: That title just floated into my head one morning and I thought 'oooh, how clever is that?!' Then of course, it was a big challenge then to write a lyric around that title. To me, it's a rather sinister song about cults, bad religion, mind control and such, but most people don't seem to hear it that way.

Me: That CD was well reviewed all over the internet. You must be very proud of it. Is that your first CD?

Id: I've been on a lot of indie records around here, with various bands and as a session player. I did release an EP a longtime ago as Id Guinness, but this is my first recording in a very long time. Prior to this, I took a long break from music and for several years before that I was trying to write for other artists. I started posting demos of songs from "Cure for the Common Crush" on Myspace in 2006. The response was really encouraging. If it hadn't been, I probably wouldn't have finished the album.

Me: You're from Canada, right? Where in Canada? 

Id: I'm on the West Coast. I live about an hour out of Vancouver in the magical village of Mission where Hell's Angels and Benadictine monks live together in perfect harmony!

Me: One of my number one favorite bands comes from Canada... The Barenaked Ladies. Do you know them? Their music is a lot different then yours.

Id: I don't know them personally, but I'm a big fan - they're brilliant.

Me: You've been compared to Pink Floyd, but I don't hear that. I do hear U2 and Bowie influences though. Who is your biggest influence?

Id: Early on David Bowie and Elton John were at the top of the list. A little later, U2, The Talking Heads, Thomas Dolby were favorites. Nowadays, I'm a huge fan of Conor Oberst who, for me, is the most amazing lyricist to come along in decades. I love MGMT and Band of Horses and the huge reverb on their records. Hawksley Workman is a Canadian artist that
is definitely worth checking out.

Me: Who are the Wyrd Sisters? I saw a picture of them and they're all naked, so can't be bad. Maybe I can interview them as well.

Id: The Wyrd Sisters have been big in the folk scene here since the early 90's. Their albums have won a bunch of awards in Canada. My sister-in-law Delina was a Wyrd Sister for a couple of years and we co-managed them for a while. They were going out on tour in the summer of
2007 and their keyboard player couldn't make it. I ended up going on the road with them and had so much fun that I did it again this summer. They are all great people and I love them dearly. Kim Baryluk, who is the founding member, is a brilliant songwriter and one of the most talented performers I've ever seen - let alone worked with. We're starting to work on some new material together.

Me: On your CD you do a fantastic cover of David Bowie's song "Always Crashing In The Same Car". What made you do a cover of that song? Have you heard feedback from Bowie himself on it?

Id: I knew I wanted to cover a Bowie song and that one kept swimming around my brain. "Sons of the Silent Age" and "The Bewlay Brothers" are a couple of others that I wouldn't mind trying someday. I've never heard from Bowie - doubt I ever will, but I'd love to meet him. It's sad that he seems to have stopped making music.

Me: You have a new CD coming out in the Summer of '09 called "Soul Envy." What can you tell the readers of the Phile to expect from that CD?

Id: It's going to be a little harder, more driving and lyrically darker than "Cure...". I've been experimenting with stacking vocals lately so you'll hear a lot of gothic choral sounds going on. For a few years I was fortunate enough to manage one of Canada's primo choirs - The Vancouver Cantata Singers and their brilliance has definitely affected and influenced me. I'm excited to get this one out. I've been recording non-stop for a few years now and my musicianship and production chops seem to be getting better which makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable.

Me: Are you planning on touring America next year behind that album? If so, I will be there if you play Florida.

Id: I would love to tour. I'm looking at Europe for the fall of '09, but a lot depends on the economy. Even in good times, the prospect is really risky when you're an independent artist. Unfortunately, my sound is big and requires a certain number of musicians to pull it off live. I can't really do a lot of coffee house gigs!

Me: You do seem to have a huge band on your CD. How many people do you have in your band?

Id: All my musician friends are juggling many different music projects, so it sort of depends on who is available. Curtis DeBray is one guy I would always have to drag along (kicking and screaming if necessary). He's a brilliant guitarist and the nicest guy in the world. Most of the people that helped with "Cure for the Common Crush" are friends that I've worked with over the years. We have a sort of informal collective where we pool our various skills to support each other.

Me: Finally, is there anything else you would like to tell the readers?

Id: Well, I've just put out a digital-only album called "Crush d - Unfinished Business Volume I". I've re-recorded some of my older material for it. There are also a couple of songs I've written for other artists and remixes and alternate versions of songs from "Cure for the Common Crush".  It's free when people pre-order "Soul Envy". I've got a huge backlog of material that I need to put out so there will probably be a few more "Unfinished Business" collections in the near future.

Me: Id, good luck with your new CD. I cannot wait to hear it. When it comes out, I would like to interview you again if possible. Hope this was fun for you as it was for me.

Id: Thanks for the opportunity, Jason and for thinking of me.

What a good interview again, and a really nice guy. Go to iTunes and take a listen to his music. So, the next interview will be tomorrow with director Ari Gold. I know, not another musician. The Phile then will be back on Friday and on Saturday and Sunday with two more interviews. Also, e-mail me at Thepeverettphile@gmail.com. Until then, spread the word, not the turd.

Celibate Yourself

PHIRST OF

Hello, welcome to the 200th entry of the Phile, the web's most updated blog. Logan and I just completed a long, long game of Bukugan. Have you ever played that? Man, it's addicting. It kicks ass over marbles though. There has been 130 million tons of garbage hauled out from the inauguration. And that’s not including the previous administration. They still haven’t revealed the contents of that note Bush left for Barack Obama, but I have it: “deer Brak, I took Clinton’s porn.” In Scotland, they celebrated Robert Burns night. He was a poet. They celebrate it by drinking too much and eating haggis, which is like a Hot Pocket stuffed with sheep guts. The embattled and Herbal Essence-infused governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, held another press conference  the other day. He’s the guy they caught on tape allegedly trying to barter for Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. I’m no lawyer, but when they get you on tape doing what you say you didn’t do, you’re probably guilty. Meanwhile, in New York, Gov. David Paterson named a replacement for Hillary Clinton, and he did it for free — not too bright. Here’s an interesting story: Broadway producers are putting together a musical based on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It’s an unbelievable story about an innocent young boy who turns into an undead freak. I don’t know what the musical is about... PETA is angry at NBC for refusing to air a commercial for them during the Super Bowl. NBC said the commercial was too suggestive. It showed women getting sexy with vegetables. If I want to see women getting sexy with vegetables, I’ll look through the window at Hugh Hefner’s house. A new study says that whether or not you’re shy depends on your jeans. I knew that years ago — if you wear jeans that show off your thong, you’re not shy. The economy’s getting worse. Home Depot announced that they’re laying off 7,000 employees... which is interesting because I’ve been to Home Depot, and I didn’t even know they had employees. A pair of shoes worn by Sarah Palin sold for $2,000 in an online auction. Apparently, the shoes have magical powers. They allow the wearer to step into situations they are totally unqualified for. I wouldn't buy her shoes, but her underwear is a different story... Mickey Rourke plays a wrestler in a new movie. Now he’s becoming a real-life wrestler. I wonder if he will be wearing a pair of special shoes he bought in an online auction... He’s going to be in WrestleMania 25. I want to watch, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to follow it. I didn’t see WrestleMania 1-24. And phinally, Elisabeth Hasselbeck from “The View,” announced that she’s pregnant. She’ll have to deal with the crying, diaper changes, drooling, and when she’s done with Barbara Walters, then she’ll have to look after the baby.

THE PEVERETT PHILE TOP TEN LIST

From the home office in Groveland, Florida, here is this week's top ten list...

Top Ten Things Overheard At Barack Obama's Inauguration 

10. "Is that a hat or a Christmas present on Aretha's head?"
9. "I think Yo-Yo Ma is cello-syncing"
8. "Yes, Mr. Cheney, you can take the heart paddles with you"
7. "Senator Clinton, please remove your hand from the oath Bible"
6. "How much for the seat up front, Governor Blagojevich?"
5. "Didn't John McCain wear that same suit at Washington's inauguration?"
4. "I wonder if Sarah Palin can see this from her house?"
3. "Hey you 1.8 million people! Get off my lawn!"
2. "Is this the line for Paul Blart: Mall Cop?"
And the number one thing overheard at Obama's inauguration...

1. "I love that 'New President' smell"

SOMEONE PHAMOUS HAS DIED

John Updike: Rabbit make space.

JANUARY 30TH IN HISTORY

1649

Oliver Cromwell beheads the British monarch King Charles I, at Whitehall.
1835
Andrew Jackson is the subject of the first recorded assassination attempt on a U.S. president. After a man fires shots at him, Jackson beat the shit out of his would-be assassin.
1945
The largest maritime disaster in history leaves 7700 dead after a Soviet submarine torpedoes the Nazi ship Wilhelm Gustoff.
1948
Mohandas K. Gandhi assassinated by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse.
1962
Two of the Flying Wallendas die when their human pyramid of seven people collapses in Detroit.
1968
North Vietnam launches the Tet Offensive, in which they suffer a defeat and 46,000 dead, but shocks the complacent American television viewer who had been led to believe the war was won.
1972
British troops kill 13 unarmed marchers in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This incident becomes known as "Bloody Sunday" and marks the beginning of a new extended round of violence.
1973
G. Gordon Liddy found guilty of Watergate charges.
1976
George HW Bush becomes directory of the Central Intelligence Agency, a position which he holds until 1977. Perhaps he knows who killed Kennedy.

2009

The Phile celebrates 200 entries.

FLORIDA: AMERICA'S WANG

In 1989, Bernie Wint went out into the breakers off of Daytona Beach, Fla. His then-fiancee reported seeing him disappear into the waves, setting off a police search. "We spent a bunch of time looking for him," said a police captain. "We used helicopters, boats and boatloads of lifeguards." Eventually, it was assumed that Wint had drowned. Recently, a routine traffic stop brought Wint back from the grave. The cop who stopped Wint in Weaverville, N.C., discovered his identity after he was unable to find any information about the man's alias, James Sweet. Wint told police that he faked his death two decades ago because he was paranoid about getting busted for drug activities. When Wint "died," he left behind his fiancee and a daughter from a previous marriage. He now has a common-law wife and another child, and makes his living selling NASCAR memorabilia. Only time will tell if Wint experiences a customer backlash that will force him to hang up his Jeff Gordon beer coozies and start slinging dime bags again. 

I interrupt this blog for...

PHANTASTIC SHOW-BIZ GOSSIP

Paris Hilton claims her stupidity is just an act. Ashton Kutcher apologized to the noisy neighbor he called a "dickweed".  Robert Rodriguez is attached to a Predator reboot. The "Arrested Development" movie might actually be happening. Elizabeth Hasselbeck is pregnant again. Naomi Watts says she's in no rush to get married. Rebecca Romijn dropped her pregnancy weight. No, not Jerry O'Connell. Patrick Swayze's reps confirmed that he is still undergoing cancer treatments. 

SHARPENING AXES

So, this is the 200th entry of the Phile, right? Well, I Googled the number 200 and this is what I found. A common ISO-standard film speed for photographic films. However, 200 speed film is being phased out in consumer films in favor of faster films. A denomination of the euro note. The 200 euro note was designed by Robert Kalina. The size of one side of the main square in Kraków, Poland (200 m×200 m). 200 MeV is the temperature of quark-gluon plasma phase transition. The name of a car made by the Rover Group — the Rover 200. An HTTP status code indicating a successful connection. The sum of dollars given in the classical Monopoly game to a player passing Go. A cholesterol level of 200 and below is considered "Desirable level corresponding to lower risk for heart disease" "200" is the title of an episode of the television show "Stargate SG-1". The number of NASCAR races won by Richard Petty. A Year.

CANNED LAUGHTER

Q: Why did God give women orgasms? A: So they would have something else to moan about.

DOCTOR WHO

Freema Agyeman will be taking one more trip in the TARDIS. Her Martha Jones character has been scheduled to appear in one of the forthcoming "Doctor Who" specials. Keep in mind that the source of this news is The Sun, so it should be taken with a grain of salt until there is an official BBC announcement. My guess is they'll be wrapping up the character, who was supposed to be a regular cast member of "Torchwood", but suddenly wasn't due to the fact that Freema moved on to other projects such as the remake of "Survivors". I'm sure the fact that "Torchwood" season three was changed to a five episode story-arc rather than a full season didn't help. Russell T. Davies will have to explain story-wise why Martha ended up somewhere else. In other "Doctor Who" news: the New York Comic Con guests will include Colin Baker (the sixth Doctor). Also, there will be a "Torchwood" panel with Eve Myles.and episode director Euros Lyn. Unfortunately they'll be no "Doctor Who" or "Torchwood" panel at this year's Megacon in Orlando.

GEEK TALK

Rumors of The Green Hornet's demise were greatly exagerrated. Seth Rogen sent an e-mail to HitFix, upset that Drew McWeeny had not contacted him on the film's status. "The Green Hornet has many people working for it, including production designers, costume designers and many conceptual artists, office staff, etc. [The studio heads] have every intention on making it, and assuming we're able to hire a new director in the upcoming weeks, which seems like a distinct possibility, it should still hit the release date." Stephen Chow is still in to play Kato, and the LA Times' Hero Complex reports that Adam Sandler may have a cameo in the film as "a certain surprise superhero." Any guesses as to who that is? According to its official MySpace, the long delayed Fanboys finally has a limited platform release on February 6: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Fransisco, Seattle, Houston, and Austin. Check your local listings if you live in these cities. (Two guesses where Austin's is!) The final Watchmen poster has debuted over at Yahoo! Movies. It's kind of ... bland and overly-Photoshopped. We've had such cool character one-sheets that you would expect them to come together a bit more, particularly when they can mimic 1970s newscasts so well. If the poster has you worried about those black pants on Dr. Manhattan (which he did wear in the book occasionally) Zack Snyder assured the world that when they sit down on March 6th, you will see all of the Big Blue. Zack Snyder told MTV's Splash Page: "It's an R rated movie, right? What you see in the trailer has to be a little bit squished around so it can get on TV. I think in the final film you'll see it's true to the graphic novel. He's naked." Dan Mazeau is reportedly writing a script for The Flash, although no one involved with the property would confirm it. Considering the DC-Warner Bros record so far, we shouldn't hold our breath. Also, Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer have apparently begun their work on the script for the next Batman movie, according to a source over at IESB. No other details are available. Don't hold your breath for Hellboy 3 -- Guillermo del Toro says there aren't any solid plans for a third film. "We're three, four years away from anything happening-so I don't think anyone is, you know, in a big hurry." Except the fans, of course. Maybe del Toro will hand the reins over to someone else while he's in Middle Earth? Or maybe the energetic director can film it while on his Hobbit lunch break! 
And speaking of setbacks, Emily Blunt may not be Black Widow after all, thanks to her joining the cast of Guilliver's Travels. Blunt's representatives are trying to work out the schedule conflict, but Fox holds an option on her and may exercise it in order to make sure she's in Travels. Come on, Marvel and Fox -- work it out! 

There you go, phans, another entry of the Phile. The Phile will be back tomorrow with the interview with musician Id Guinness and then on Sunday with director Ari Gold. Also, you can contact me now with questions, complaints, or just random "you are great" notes by e-mailing me at Thepeverettphile@gmail.com. Starting next week the Phile will be updated on Friday and Saturday and Sunday will have one interview each. So, keep reading, and spread the word, not the turd.

The Peverett Phile Interviews: Adam Bentley From The Rest

Hello, welcome back to the Phile, I am your host Jason The Pest Peverett, and today I am interviewing the lead singer from the Canadian band The Rest. So, give a Phile welcome to the very talented Adam Bentley.

Me: Hello, Adam, welcome to the Phile. I have to ask you, The Rest of what? Where did that name come from?

Adam: The name really doesn't have much of an interesting story. I use to make up versions where ex Toronto blue jay baseball players came to all of us in our dreams and made us choose that name, but have since abandoned that since they most likely would have wanted us to call ourselves "The Tom Henke's" or "The Joe Carter Home Run Explosion". So, I'll just say that "The Rest" is a name like my own name now.

Me: Adam, sir, what do you do in the band, and who else is in it with you?

Adam: Adam Bentley - Vocals/Classical Acoustic/Electric/Piano/Rhodes. Jordan Mitchell - Electric/Piano/Rhodes/Sythns/Noises/Percussion/Backing Vocals. Anna Jarvis -Cello/Banjo/Clarinet/Backing Vocals. Dwayne Brydon - Electric/Rhodes/Backing Vocals. Steve Jones - Electric/Processed Harmonica. Blake Bowman - Drums/Percussion. Matty Buzanko - Bass.

Me: I love that photo of all the people behind the house, Adam. Where was that taken, and what can you tell me about it? Is that the new album cover? It looks like it took a long time to take. Very clever.

Adam: It was taken at an old mansion in Burlington Ontario, down by Lake Ontario. Mainly the photo was influenced by The Great Gatsby and in retrospect the film King Of Hearts sub-consciously. It is not the album cover for "Everyone All At Once", just an extremely fun press photo. The album cover is almost finsihed and we should have it online shortly. We got up around 6am to get prepared for the shoot, unfortunately this took place after we had been up playing a show until 3am. Once we got to the location we were pressed for time because they needed to set up for a wedding. We basically ran around changing clothes, and laughed way too much from sleep deprivation.

Me: Okay, I love your music and wish I can download it from iTunes, or get some free swag... hint hint... Anyway, you have to tell me about the song "I Can Collect Popsicle Sticks, You Failed Hobbyist!" What is that song about, and what a great song title. Are you guys fans of the Beautiful South by the way?

Adam: Get me your postal address and I'll send you a surprise. The song title comes from the prizes you could receive for saving popsicle sticks when I was a kid. They would have points written on them, and you could then send in the sticks via mail to receive your prize. I had a giant bin of these sticks, and I would be always counting how many points I had, but I had no interest in sending them in for a prize because the prizes were terrible. I only had an interest in these sticks. I found some sort of pleasure in knowing I had all of these points, and knowing I would have more than anyone else because they would redeem them for a kazoo or whatever. The song is about our false sense of accomplishment, and what justifies accomplishment. Or at least that what it means to me 3 years after it was written.

Me: How many albums have The Rest released? And are you working on a new one?

Adam: We released one album so far ("Atlantis, Oh Our Saviour"), which we re-released on our label Auteur Recordings this summer. Our sophomore record "Everyone All At Once" has been completed, and we'll be announcing the release date in the month.

Me: Like I said, any chance you lot putting your music on iTunes? If not, when can a reader of the Phile get your music?

Adam: You can purchase our music digitally at www.zunior.com and physical copies can be purchased at http://auteurrecordings.com/.

Me: What is a typical show of The Rest like? Are you guys planning on coming down to Florida, or do I need to travel?

Adam: We want to get down to the states sometime this year, but a few other things have to be worked out before we can start planning the tour. It's a big goal of our though.

Me: My favorite band is from Canada... the Barenaked Ladies. Do you know them, have you ever opened for them?

Adam: I have one story about the Barenaked Ladies. About two years ago I played against the drummer in a hockey game. Now, I'm not sure if he was having a bad day, or if there was some other issue, but the guy was playing fairly dirty. About half way through the game I was in front of the opposing teams net, trying to get position, and suddenly he whacked me with his stick behind my kneecaps. Without thinking I cross-checked him to the ground, which is a fairly dirty move, but I think he deserved it.

Me: They're from Toronto, and you're from Ottawa, right? What can you tell me about Ottawa? That's where the superhero team Alpha Flight comes from, y'know.

Adam: We're actually from Hamilton Ontario, but Ottawa is a nice city.

Me: So, do Canadians really like it on top?

Adam: I'd say about 50% are on top. Some way or another.

Me: This question is asked to everybody I interview... what is your favorite Foghat song?

Adam: Can I say my favourite thing about Foghat instead? Their cover for "Fool For The City". It's fantastic! So good!

Me: Adam, is there anything else you can tell the readers? Any websites you would like to plug?

Adam: I guess our own website, which is in the process of expansion. www.therestmusic.com.

Me: Thanks for taking part, Adam. Tell the rest of the Rest I said hello, and I am looking forward to playing your music on my iPod. You might be one of my new favorite bands.

Adam: No, Thank you! If you to follow up with anything let me know. And remember to get me your address!

What a very nice guy that Adam was. When the new CD comes out I will love to interview him again. Anyway, the Phile is off tomorrow.... it's my wives birthday so I better have it off. But the normal weekly entry will be back on Friday, which is the 200th entry! Then on Saturday it's musician Id Guiness (I bet you I spelt his last name wrong) and on Sunday director Ari Gold. Then next weekend the Phile will only be updated on Friday's and the interviews on the weekends. It's too much for me to work all day, then come home and update the Phile. If I am off, the Phile will be updated. Oh, one more thing... there's a new e-mail if you want to discuss, complain, praise or just say hello. E-mail me at Thepeverettphile@gmail.com. Anyway, until Phriday, spread the word, no the turd.

The Peverett Phile Interviews: Dylan Fant From Trading Voices & J Minus

Hello, phans, yes, you heard right. Todays interview is with a guy who heads not one, but two bands. Give a big Peverett Phile welcome to Dylan Fant.

Me: Hello, how are you?

Dylan: I'm good! just trying to finsh up the Trading Voices album and preparing for the CD release of the new J Minus record "Mr. Robotron on the Byway"

Me: Dylan, most musicians normally have one band, but you have two. How are they different?

Dylan: J Minus is based around male vocals and I can write from a more personal perspective...and we perform live. TV is written from a female perspective and I don't worry about performing the music live, so I can experiment with different sounds and layering that I don't have to worry about recreating in a live setting.

Me: So, how did you and Taylour Chanel meet? Are you two dating?

Dylan: I met Taylour on myspace. She had a music Myspace with a couple rough demos and I really liked her voice. I stumbled upon her profile looking for local musicians to work with. I ended up producing a song for her and we just kept in touch. When I decided to replace the original singer I had for TV, she was my go to because I always loved her voice. And no..we're not dating.

Me: So, tell me about Trading Voices... what do you both do for the band? 

Dylan: I write/record/produce everything... Taylour sings. She is beginning to contribute to the songwriting aspect though..."Warning Norway" was actually written by Taylour.

Me: Congrats, Dylan, on getting a cute singer. Was she your first choice for the band, or did you have other singers lined up?

Dylan: I originally had Tasha Ehoff who sang a couple of the songs on the J Minus record "Sun and Moon". I was already comfortable working with her so I tried to build it around her voice. We didn't work out though, and I replaced her with Taylour the same day we parted ways.

Me: What other bands has Taylour been in?

Dylan: Taylour had her own project called "Number the Stars" and most recently a band called "I am the Enemy" which recently broke up.

Me: Okay, Dylan, let's talk about J Minus, your first band. Actually, is J Minus your first band, if not how many other bands have you been in?

Dylan: I've been in quite a few different bands...but J Minus is and always will be my main project. I've had it for 6 years now...ever since I wrote my first song.

Me: Who is in J Minus with you?

Dylan: J Minus consists of Trevor Wheetman (piano, lead vox), Chris Mongillo (guitar, lead vox), Matt Gamboa (guitar), Myer Harrell (bass).

Me: Where did that name come from? Isn't J Minus the lead singer of Dinosaur Jr?

Dylan: The name comes from an inside joke between Trevor and I.

Me: Does Trading Voices ever open for J Minus, or vice versa?

Dylan: Trading Voices is not a live act.

Me: I have to ask you about Woodinville, Washington. That's by Seattle, right? How is the Seattle music scene nowadays? Is grunge still big there?

Dylan: No, grunge has been dead for years. It's mostly emo and metal around here... with some punk and a few singer/songwriters.

Me: So, Dylan, what bands are you into?

Dylan: I don't listen to many other artists these days but I have many influences... there's a huge list on the main J Minus profile... all the influences listed are mine.

Me: Nirvana or Pearl Jam?

Dylan: Nirvana.

Me: Anyway, back to your music. Any luck on being able to download your music on iTunes in the future?

Dylan: I'm hoping to have the album on iTunes by the Spring.

Me: I already purchased the J Minus CD "Sun and Moon" from iTunes, which I love. I can't believe you have 28 songs on that CD, Dylan.

Dylan: Thanks, I appreciate that. :) I had a lot of fun putting that double album together

Me: How many CD's have you released as J Minus?

Dylan: There have been 3, but the very first one was never really released, it was more like a demo.

Me: What do you like better, playing live or recording? Are you planning on touring America?

Dylan: Speaking for myself, I like writing and recording more. I highly doubt this will become more then a studio project, but I guess you never know.

Me: Dylan, tell me about 1 Shot Studios. That's your own studio, right? What made you do your own? For the equipment geeks who read the Phile, what instruments and equipment do you have?

Dylan: I started 1 shot about 7 years ago. The guys in J Minus usually leave their equipment around for me to use for recordings... I've got quite a few pieces of gear. I'll just say that the core of the studio is my stereo matched pair of Telefunken M12 V's... they make vocals and acoustics sound amazing.

Me: Do you rent 1 Shot out to other bands?

Dylan: If you mean do work with other bands in 1 shot...yes, it's my main source of income.

Me: Speaking of other bands, I interviewed a band called Fight the Current. I believe they are from Seattle as well. Do you know them?

Dylan: I produce them. I'm actually the one playing drums, bass, and any piano you hear on all tracks...as well as 75% of the lead guitar. The majority of the harmonies are written by me and performed by Chris Mongillo... one of the singers in J Minus.

Me: Can you think of any other bands I can interview?

Dylan: Not really... most of the bands I like and have worked with have broken up unfortunately... if you already have FTC, then that's about it... maybe Stillstand, they're pretty serious, and they've got some good music.

Me: This question is asked to everybody I interview... what is your favorite Foghat song?

Dylan: I have no idea who that is haha.

Me: Is there any websites you would like to plug, and anything else you both would like to tell the readers of the Phile?

Dylan: Not really.

There, kids, that was Dylan Fant, who has two bands. I really need to educate these people who don't know who Foghat is, don't I? Maybe if I interview Dylan again. Anyway, the Phile will be back tomorrow with Adam Bentley, lead singer for the band The Rest. Then on Friday it's the Phile's 200th entry. Amazing, eh? These interviews kinda sped up the process a little bit. Anyway, come back tomorrow. Until then, spread the word, not the turd. 

The Peverett Phile Interviews: The Handful

Are you ready? Are you ready for another Peverett Phile Interview. Today's guests are two members from a cool band called The Handful. Phans, meet Mark Duda and Jason Mischel. Hey, Jason... that's my name.



Me: Hello, Mark and Jay, how are you? So, what do you two each do with the band?

Mark: We’re doing great, Jay, and it rocks to be talking to you. We’re actually in the middle of recording our 3rd album, so we’re pretty excited. On our 1st 2 releases, "Palmistry" and "Second Hand Smoke", it was just the 2 of us.

Jay: Mark is the singer and guitar player, and I play drums, bass guitar, keyboards and horns. We also did just about all of the production and arrangements, and started our own label/publishing company, True Rock, which releases our stuff.

Me: Your first CD came out in 2004 called "Palmistry", right? What does that name mean?

Mark: Palmistry is the art of reading palms, and we’re The Handful.

Me: Your next CD came out last year called "Second Hand Smoke." Did you learn anything from making your first one then you did the second? I like them both.

Mark: Thanks Jay, we appreciate that. We had previously done a lot of recording with different bands we had both been a part of, so by the time we started The Handful, we were pretty confident in our abilities and the sounds that we wanted.

Jay: We followed the same path on "Second Hand Smoke" as we did "Palmistry", which basically means we rehearsed a lot before going in to record.

Me: Where did the name The Handful come from? Is it because there's five people in the band?

Mark: Well, as you now know, we started out as a duo. We dig the name.

Jay: Some people think we’re talking about breasts.

Me: You sound very much like 3 Doors Down to me. Are you fans of there's and if not, do you think your band is similar?

Jay: We dig a bunch of their stuff, especially "When I'm Gone" and "Kryptonite". We think we sound something like a mix of Skynyrd, Free, Hatchett, The Cult, AC/DC, Bad Co, The Who, Maiden and a bottle of whiskey.

Me: Okay, you two, how did you two meet and form a band?

Jay: We are from neighboring towns in Jersey, specifically River Edge and Oradell. When you get to Junior High and High School, the kids in both towns go to the same school, which would be River Dell. We met our 1st year in Junior High and have been buds ever since. Mark was the first to make music, being in bands in high school and then college.

Mark: We ended up being roommates in NYC after college, and Jay started managing, or attempting to manage, a band I formed with our other roommate. One day, Jay started playing a bass guitar that was hanging on the wall of the apartment and joined the band after getting good enough. We went through a bunch of different bands and musicians, and eventually decided that to do what we wanted to do, we had to do it ourselves, so I started playing lots of guitar and Jay picked up the drums and keys, and there you go.

Me: Is the band based in New Jersey or New York? You guys are Giants fans, right? I hope so!

Mark: I live in Jersey and Jay lives in NYC, so both. And we’re fans of the Jets, while Jay also digs the Cowboys.

Jay: Needless to say, we’re looking forward to pitchers and catchers.

Me: Where do you guys play? Clubs in the city?

Mark: We usually play in and around NYC and Jersey. When we’re done recording the new CD, we’ll look into expanding our touring.

Me: Where is the furthest you guys traveled for a show? Any plans to come to Florida?

Jay: Once we played The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, and I had to come back from a vacation in Maine to play the show and then returned the next morning.

Mark: We’ve chosen to stay local, as we’ve only had our live band together for a little more than a year and wanted to concentrate on rehearsing the new album, but would absolutely dig coming to Florida once it comes out.

Me: A band like yours that rocks must've opened for some big acts. Can you name any that were really cool?

Mark: We had opportunities to open up for national touring acts, but we tend to choose to headline our own shows. We have 28 songs from the 1st 2 CDs, and another 16 on the way, so we have plenty of material for fans to groove on.

Me: When is your new CD planned to come out, and do you guys have a name for it yet?

Mark: We’re hoping it will be out in the Spring. No name yet, but trust us, it rocks.

Me: How different is the new album gonna be from the first two?

Jay: The biggest difference is we are recording with the musicians who we play live with. We’re also working at a different studio with a different engineer. But we’re not one of these bands that are going to experiment with electronica. The CD will rock just as hard as the 1st 2, if not more.

Me: I have to ask you about the "Second Hand Smoke" CD cover. Very clever, with the skull in the smoke coming out of the factory stacks. Where was that taken, and were you scared of the skull smoke creature? LOL. Seriously, who came up with that idea? It'll make a great t-shirt.

Mark: Our cover art guy showed it to us, and we dug it because it reminds us of the New Jersey Turnpike.

Me: Your music is on iTunes I am happy to say. Do you get a lot of people becoming fans from hearing you there?

Mark: It definitely helps, but it’s not the only way we’re building our fan base. Our website and MySpace site, our shows and general word of mouth seem to all be working together to increase our exposure.

Me: I ask this question to everybody I interview, so both answer, fellas... what is your favorite Foghat song?

Jay: We are "Fool(s) for the City", brother. Of course, "Slow Ride" is stellar.

Mark: And "Foghat Live" is one of the best live albums ever.

Me: Okay, I have a problem with your quote... "80% ROCK, 20% ROLL, 100%PURE SWAGGER". That's impossible. That would make it 200%, not a hundred. Who did your math? LOL. By the way, Pure Swagger is a great name for an album title or band, isn't it?

Jay: It is if you can back it up. We do.

Me: Do you guys do any acoustic stuff?

Jay: We actually used to do lots of acoustic shows, sometimes just the two of us. But we like it loud.

Me: Finally, do you guys have anything to plug and to say to the readers of the Phile?

Mark: Hey Phile readers – If you dig Foghat, you should check out The Handful at wwwthehandful.com or www.myspace.com/thehandful, and you can get us at iTunes, Amazon and others.

Jay: Keep rocking, Jay, and thanks.

Thanks, guys. Pretty good, eh? Def check out their CD's if you can. Nice guys and good music. They do sound like 3 Doors Down, though, which isn't a bad thing. The Phile will be back tomorrow with Dylan Fant from the band Trading Voices. So, until then, spread the word, not the turd.

The Peverett Phile Interviews: Jeremy Rowe

Hello, welcome to another interview on the Phile. Today's guest is a very talented singer, guitarist and pretty creative guy who has two albums on iTunes with his band. Here's Jeremy Rowe.

Me: Hello, Jeremy, welcome to the Phile. How are you?

Jeremy: WAITING FOR THE PLANET TO GET CLOSER TO THE SUN.

Me: Thanks for taking part with this interview. So, your band is called The Jeremy Rowe Band, right? Who do you have in your band?

Jeremy: 4 MEMBERS INCLUDING MYSELF. MARK LUCIER-DRUMS MATT OLSON- GUITARS MARK OLSON- BASS

Me: Congratulation's on being played on Adam Curry's "The Daily Source Show." I know who Curry is, but a lot of younger phans of the Phile probably don't. So, tell us who he is, and why being played on his show was a big deal.

Jeremy: WHEN I WAS AROUND 5 OR 6 I REMEMBER 2 CHANNELS NICKELODEON AND MTV. I WANTED TO WATCH NICKELODEON ON AND MY COUSIN JASON ALWAYS WANTED TO WATCH MTV. I, BEING A LITTLE KID DIDN’T CARE FOR IT. OF COURSE AS I GOT TO A COUPLE OF YEARS OLDER I STARTED WATCHING MTV RELIGIOUSLY. AND ADAM CURRY WAS ONE 1ST VJ’S MTV EVER HAD. SO 20 YEARS LATER HEARING HIM ANNOUNCE MY NAME WAS PRETTY COOL SEEING I HAD GREW UP WATCHING HIM. OF COURSE WHEN YOU ARE A KID TV PERSONALITIES ARE LIKE FICTION. SO HIM PLAYING MY MUSIC WAS SEEING THAT FICTION BECOME REALITY.

Me: Okay, I like the CD "Where The Truth Lies." Tell me about the album cover though. Am I missing something? It looks like a plane at the bottom of a lake or something.

Jeremy: YOU GOT IT. THE TITLE TRACK IS A STORY OF SOMETHING THAT REALLY HAPPENED RIGHT NEAR WHERE I GREW UP. IT IS A TRUE STORY OF A JET FIGHTER THAT SUPPOSEDLY COLLIDED WITH A U.F.O. IN 1953. WHEN I FIRST READ ABOUT IT THEY HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE PLANE WAS. THIS LINK CAN SAVE ME SOME WORDS. http://www.cufon.org/kinross/kinross_missing.htm THEY FOUND THE JET A MONTH BEFORE I FINISHED THE ALBUM. IT WAS MISSING FOR 53 YEARS.

Me: A few years ago you released an EP (with the song "Caffeine & Nicotine", which is a great song) and now you have a full length CD. How do the two compare?

Jeremy: THE FULL ALBUM HAS A COUPLE OF SONGS ON IT THAT WERE ON THE EP. BUT MAINLY MOST OF THE ALBUM WAS RECORDED AT A DIFFERENT STUDIO. AND DIFFERENT STUDIOS ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES, BUT I FEEL THE FULL LENGTH ALBUM IS A MORE TRUE PORTRAIT OF MY MUSIC.

Me: What is your favorite song you wrote? "Dead Star" is one of mine.

Jeremy: THAT’S A TOUGH ONE. IT’S LIKE CHOOSING WHAT CHILD OF YOURS IS YOUR FAVORITE, BUT IF I HAD TO NARROW IT DOWN I WOULD SAY "WHERE THE TRUTH LIES", "FREEZE IN THE FIRE", "IN MY ELEMENT", AND "INNOCENCE, IN A SENSE" WOULD BE A COUPLE.

Me: You're based in Michigan. Whereabouts? How is the music scene there right now?

Jeremy: I AM IN THE NORTHERNMOST PART. WHERE SNOW IS LIFE FOR 6 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR, THE UPPER PENINSULA. I WAS BORN AND RAISED HERE, MOVED SOUTH FOR COLLEGE AND MOVED BACK AFTER. THE MUSIC SCENE HERE IS ABOUT AS HAPPENING AS THE BEACHES ON LAKE SUPERIOR IN DECEMBER. WHAT I ALWAYS SAY IS THAT NO MATTER WHERE I AM I CAN STILL WRITE MUSIC TO MY BEST ABILITY. I GET A LOT OF INSPIRATION FROM THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS HERE, BUT A BIGGER CITY WOULD REALLY FUEL THE LIVE SHOWS MORE.

Me: Have you ever played outside Michigan? I am guessing Illinois would be easy for you to get to and play.

Jeremy: FUNNY YOU ASK, MY MUSIC HAS BEEN PLAYED ALL OVER THE WORLD VIA PODCASTS. GERMANY, GREECE, AMSTERDAM, ETC BUT YET I HAVE ONLY PLAYED LIVE SHOWS IN MICHIGAN. BUT THAT WILL CHANGE. ILLINOIS IS ABOUT 7 HOURS AWAY. I’M SURE IF THERE WAS A DEMAND THE SUPPLY WOULD BE THERE.

Me: What other bands should I listen out for that are coming out of Michigan?

Jeremy: MY FRIEND WHO IS RECORDING MY NEXT ALBUM P.J. OLSSON, YOU CAN HEAR HIS MUSIC ON "CSI", 'THE GHOST WHISPERER" ETC. HE IS ALSO THE LEAD SINGER FOR THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT. ANOTHER BAND FROM MY HOMETOWN I CAN SEE GOING PLACES IS CALLED THE SQUEAKY CLEAN CRETINS. THEY HAVE AN INTERESTING, OUT OF THE BOX STYLE OF MUSIC AND ARE MAKING AN APPEARANCE ON THE FESTIVAL SCENE.

Me: Let's talk about your influences. What wide spectrum, Jeremy. Pearl Jam, Hendrix, the Tragically Hip... wow! I think you are one of the first people I have ever heard that knows who they are. When did you first start to get into them?

Jeremy: THE HIP. THEY ARE THE PEARL JAM OF CANADA. I LIVE ON THE KEWEENAW PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN. IT IS 8 HOURS FROM THUNDER BAY ONTARIO BY CAR BUT ONLY 70 MILES AWAY ACROSS LAKE SUPERIOR. WHEN I WAS A KID WE HAD NO RADIO STATIONS THAT PLAYED NEWER ROCK. SO I LISTENED TO 94.3 OUT OF THUNDER BAY. THAT IS WHERE I FIRST DISCOVERED THEM. AT FIRST I HATED THEM BUT AS I GOT OLDER I WAS DRAWN IN. THEY HAVE A REAL NATIONALISTIC FEEL TO THEIR MUSIC. I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THEY ARE MY FAVOURITE BAND. ALTHOUGH PEARL JAM IS NECK AND NECK.

Me: Who presently are you into that's more of a current band?

Jeremy: I JUST SAW YOUR NEXT QUESTION AND GOVT MULE IS DEFINITELY A FAVORITE OF MINE. UMPHREY’S MCGHEE IS ANOTHER ONE OUT OF CHICAGO. THERE ARE A FEW OTHER BANDS PEOPLE MAY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF BUT THEY SHOULD BE MENTIONED SUCH AS ASSENBLY OF DUST, WIDE MOUTH MASON, AUDIOSLAVE, ROCCO DELUCA AND THE BURDEN, RADIOHEAD, ALTERBRIDGE, AND THERE WAS A COOL BAND THAT WAS PLAYED AFTER ME ON A PODSHOW CALLED LUMA, THEY REMNINDED MY OF U2 MEETS MUSE MEETS RADIOHEAD.

Me: Have you opened up for any nationwide acts? Gov't Mule is currently on tour now.

Jeremy: UP HERE IT IS FEW AND FAR BETWEEN THAT A NATIONAL ACT COMES BUT WE HAVE OPENED FOR EDDIE MONEY AND FOGHAT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

Me: I have to ask you this, as I ask everybody I interview the same question... what is your favorite Foghat song?

Jeremy: I GREW UP HEARING "SLOW RIDE' AT HOCKEY GAMES SO IT’S HARD TO HAVE ANY OTHERS.

Me: You mentioned to me "Little Britain" to me before. That is one of my favorite shows. Who are your favorite characters in it?

Jeremy: ANOTHER HARD ONE. I LIKE THEM ALL BUT ONE SKIT THAT STUCK OUT AND MADE ME LAUGH MY ASS OFF WAS WHEN THEY ARE GIVING THE STARBUCKS PRESENTATION AND DAVID WALLIAMS KISSES THE OLD GUY FOR NO REASON. THE LOOK ON HIS FACE IS FUCKING HILARIOUS. BUT ANDY PIPKEN IS A FAVORITE JUST BASED ON HIS LOOKS.

Me: Okay, Jeremy, what can we expect from you in 2009? Any new music?

Jeremy: IN THE STUDIO NOW. WRITING. IT’S COMING ALONG BUT IF AT ANY POINT I DON’T FEEL THIS ALBUM IS GOING TO SHOW MATURITY AND DISTICTION FROM THE LAST RECORD I WILL PUT IT ON HOLD BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO WASTE PEOPLE’S TIME AND MONEY PUTTING OUT HALF ASSED REGURGITATED MUSIC.

Me: And finally, is there anything you would like to tell the phans of the Phile?

Jeremy: I GUESS JUST TO LOOK OUT FOR THE RELEASE OF THE NEW ALBUM IN THE NEW YEAR.

Me: Jeremy, you rock. I wish you all the luck in the world, and looking forward to your next project. Thanks again.

Jeremy: THANK YOU. ANYTIME!

That was a good interview, but like Lindsay Rush, his Cap Lock was on. LOL. Also, at the time of doing it he didn't know who my dad is, which is funny. The Phile will be back tomorrow with The Handful, another great band. So, until then, spread the word, not the turd. 

The Peverett Phile Interviews: Bryan Eden From Tribe of Eden

Hello, welcome back to the interviews, phans. How are you this Saturday? Today's interview is with the lead singer of the band Tribe of Eden. I bring you Bryan Eden.

Me: Hello, Bryan, you are the lead singer, songwriter, and manager for Tribe of Eden. Who else is in the band, and how did the band come together? 

Bryan: First of all , Jason , thanks a lot for the interview. We truly appreciate it! The band lineup is: Ruslan Moiseev on drums, Mike Bowman on guitar and Dylan Kelehan on bass. How we met is interesting. I met Ruslan, who hails from Moscow (as in Russia), through an ad I placed on Craigslist looking for hard rock musicians who wanted to play music with a positive message. Besides being an amazingly talented drummer, Ruslan is a deep thinker and very philosophical guy. Like me, he believes that music can be a positive force in the collective mind that feeds people's spirits and changes the way we think about life. He's extremely picky about who he plays with -- he's an award-winning composer of six of his own albums. So to say I was honored that he believed in me and my songs is an understatement! He literally sold everything he had in Russia to come to New York and join an artistically powerful and commercially successful rock band. I'm blown away by that level of guts and passion! So Ruslan and I started searching for star musicians who believed in the concept behind the band: maverick rockers who want to wake up the world with self-empowering messages while blowing your brains out with the music! We roamed through the clubs in NYC, we checked out a lot of bands and players and we worked Craigslist for months. Ultimately both Dylan and Mike found us online. They are both very different, but they share with Rus and I a high level of musicianship combined with the inspirational vibe and raw power that the music demands. We all strive for our rock to reach the level of art while being as visceral as rock can be.

Me: I normally ask bands how they got the name, but yours is kind of obvious. Did you always want to call the band Tribe of Eden, or did you have any other names in mind? You have a perfect last name. Tribe of Peverett would sound pretty stupid, if it was my band. 

Bryan: The band name of course began with me -- like Van Halen! But the idea was deeper than that . One message I broadcast through my songs is unity -- that in the big picture we're all sisters and brothers and we'll sink or swim on Planet Earth together. So there's really only one tribe that matters -- the tribe of humanity. The word "eden" harks back to the story of creation, where paradise existed. It is my belief that humanity is slowly working its way to the unity and brotherhood that will free us from hatred and war so we can work together to build something better. So "Tribe of Eden" is a way to bring people together through music and a positive philosophy. I believe that people are starving for positive change, so I trust that there's a big audience for what we're doing out there.

Me: Your debut album called "Supernova Soul" is getting some good reviews on-line. Normally I don't listen to much progressive-rock, but there are a few tracks on your CD I really like, "Mysterious Power" would be one of them. Anyway, who do you listen to? Who are your influences? 

Bryan: In a way "Mysterious Power" is both the story of my life and my vision of love saving the world , so I'm glad you dig it! I do believe that it will stand the test of time -- it's written in a classic style and has a timeless message. My influences are anyone who has set me on fire with the desire to live and create. In terms of artistic heroes, Shakespeare, Beethoven, Coltrane, Van Gogh, Tolkien, Kerouac, Monet, Pavarotti, Sinatra, Michaelangelo to name a few. Spiritual heroes include Lincoln, Lao-Tsu, Jesus, Wilhelm Reich, many teachers in the Buddhist lineage, and myself. Because no one but myself can design my unique path to freedom. I believe in following my own soul. In terms of rock -- that list is endless ! But major influences include the Beatles, Zep, U2, the Who, ACDC, Rush, the Doors, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Yes and Audioslave.

Me: The first band I thought of when I listened to the full album was Simple Minds for some reason. Am I way off track or is Simple Minds a band you grew up listening to?

Bryan: To tell you the truth , I can only name one song by those guys! But my low range resembles their lead singers'-- maybe that's what you were thinking of. Or were you just high LOL! What was their big song -- "Don't You Forget About Me" I think. Great song! But they didn't have the energy/intensity level to grab my attention growing up .

Me: Tribe of Eden is based in New York. Where is New York have you played? If you want to start out playing in clubs, New York IS the place. 

Bryan: Crash, the Knitting Room, the Shrine (a very cool hip-hop club in Harlem-- lots of history). Washington Square Park and Central Park. Playing outdoors was the high point of my summer. You have to earn people's attention, because they aren't there to see you! We ended up in a lot of videos and a tradition developed where people would gift us with candles, wine, food. Kids really loved us! Very tribal, very cool.

Me: If someone came up to you and said "I want Tribe of Eden to go on tour with Tribe of Quest", what would you say?

Bryan: I'd say the idea has some interesting -- if goofy -- marketing appeal. I'd say let's pitch it to VH1 as a reality series called "TRIBE versus TRIBE". Of course there would be weekly eating and drinking contests as well as a video game spinoff. But the main attraction would be the steamy romance between me and the ubervixen lead singer of Quest. Sort of a Romeo and Juliet rock soap opera where both bands unite against us as traitors but skyrocketing record sales sooth all conflicts and love triumphs in the end. You know -- something like that...

Me: You have no tours planned right now, but are you planning a nationwide tour to back your CD?

Bryan: We're actually thinking of starting in Japan, Australia and Europe. We're looking for financial backers so if any of your readers gives us a lead that works out backstage passes are yours for the asking. And wait 'till you meet our groupies -- yeah.

Me: Congratulations on winning the Progressive Rock Indie Song of the Year with "Empower". I didn't know there was such a reward. Where were you given that reward?

Bryan: We were given the award at the three day 'Power of Prog' festival in upstate New York this summer. Given the people who voted us in , it's an amazing honor.

Me: What are your plans for 2009? Are you writing for a new album?

Bryan: I have a whole next record worth of songs ready to be recorded. To do that at the standards we demand will take a little time. We'll be working on the followup record -- and hopefully touring overseas -- in 2009. The current working title is "Fight to be Free".

Me: You describe your music as "hopeful and unifying, empowering and joyful, sexy and raw. It lifts you up and makes you believe in yourself, in humanity, in life" How is that so, and has Tribe of Eden ever been listed as a Christian band?

Bryan: Some people have thought we must be a Christian band because the songs are all about love, brotherhood and unity. We have passionate fans from around the world and from all religious and spiritual backgrounds. There is positive energy in all these paths -- if you are using them in a positive way! Atheists -- people looking for the truth without any outside authority -- dig us too. Love, freedom and unity know no bounds, so we see ourselves as bringing all the tribes together. I'm not a Christian -- as I said , my path is to look within and follow my own soul. Isn't the state of rock these days interesting -- it's generally so dark and devoid of a deeper and uplifting meaning. I'm convinced that people are tired of the gloom and are ready for us. On a musical-artistic level we offer change and hope. Sound familiar?

Me: You have very strong beliefs either about politics, life, dreams. Have you always been like that? Me, I am no way near as deep as that, and a long of things you write about go over my head.

Bryan: I have always been the most intense and philosophical person in the room. I accept that not everyone is going to "get" everything I'm saying. But that's okay, because I'm not out to be anybody's guru. If you dig the music, and understand that I'm telling you to believe in love and believe in yourself, I'm satisfied!

Me: If you could tell the readers of the Phile one new positive thing, what would it be?

Bryan: If you could look inside and really see the power and beauty of who you are, your entire life will change.

Me: This question is asked to everybody I interview... what is your favorite Foghat song?

Bryan: Dude , there is only one answer to that question -- the ultimate hymn to achieving Nirvana through wild sexual abandon. I refer of course to "Slow Ride"

Me: Thanks, Bryan, for doing this interview. I hope it was fun.

Bryan: I had an unbelievably good time doing the interview! Thanks again for the opportunity and I really think your readers will enjoy it.

That was a very good interview, wasn't it? I wish Bryan and the boys the best of luck. Check out his website myspace.com/tribeofeden and listen to his music. The Phile will be back tomorrow with singer Jeremy Rowe. Until then, spread the word, not the turd.

Hotel For Blogs

PHIRST OF

Hello, and welcome to the Phile, for another Phriday. So, there you have it, phans, the new logo!!! Phucking cool if you ask me. Thanks to my friend Ron Mena for designing it. Look forward to this logo to be on t-shirts, mugs, stickers and whatever cafepress could do with it. 
So, did you have inauguration fever. ‘Twas the night before the inauguration, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, as Dick Cheney tortured a mouse. The whole country had inauguration fever — at least 52 percent of the country. The other 48 percent are McCainiacs.
Hotels in Washington, D.C., were overbooked. A lot of VIPs have no place to stay. Things were so bad, Bill and Hillary Clinton had to share a room. Anyway, congratulations to Barack Obama, the United States’ 44th president. Two million people were there to watch Obama take the oath. I think Obama owes a debt to President Bush for this. The only reason the crowd was that big was because so many people are unemployed and they have the time. It was very emotional. The liberals in the crowd haven’t cried this much since they spilled their lattes in their Priuses. President Bush is now out of a job. Now he doesn’t have to worry about those annoying day trips to the White House he had to do now and then. Dick Cheney showed up to the inauguration in a wheel chair. His aides say he pulled a muscle while moving, but I think the real reason is his legs have turned back to hooves. After a short hearing, Hillary Clinton was unexpectedly confirmed as secretary of state. Bill Clinton was so surprised he fell off his intern. President Obama got a new limousine. They had to take out Bush’s favorite piece of technology — his PlayStation. After 10 inaugural balls, Obama was up and in the office e at 8:30 this morning, and then he went to church. Is it a good sign that after one hour of being president he decided the best thing he could do for the country was pray? President Bush is back in Texas — unemployed, much like the rest of the nation. Oscar nominations came out this week. “Benjamin Button” got 13. That’s as many as people who have actually seen the movie. President Barack Obama signed the executive order to close down Guantanamo Bay. I was against Gitmo from the get-go. 

THE PEVERETT PHILE TOP TEN LIST

From the home office in Groveland, Florida, here is this week's top ten list.

Top Ten Least Popular New Products At The New House Of Innoventions

10. Solar-powered night-vision goggles
9. 52-inch plasma toaster
8. Wireless extension cord
7. Tasers for tots
6. The Kirstie Alley Grill
5. Digital soup
4. "Accordion Hero"
3. Automatic shoe thrower
2. Senator Craig's Electronic Tap Shoes
And the number one least popular new product at the new House of Innoventions... 
1. New video game: "Grand Theft Madoff"

JANUARY 23RD IN HISTORY

1556

The most devastating earthquake in history kills 830,000 people in Shanxi province, China. Many were killed when their clay caves, carved from cliffs, collapsed.
1812
A huge 7.8 magnitude earthquake shakes New Madrid, Missouri.
1968
North Koreans seize the CIA intelligence ship U.S.S. Pueblo while it is in their waters and hold its crew hostage. After a humiliating series of trials, the crew is released.
1972
An unscrupulous New Delhi bootlegger sells wood alcohol to a wedding party, killing 100 guests.
1978
Terry Kath of band Chicago accidentally suicides in Woodland Hills. Moral: don't pretend to play Russian Roulette.
1989
Salvador Dali dead.
1996
A professional bungee jumper practicing for the Superbowl was killed during rehearsal. Laura Patterson, 43, died of massive head injuries at the New Orleans Superdome. Way to go, Laura!
1998
Montana hermit Ted Kaczynski admits to four Unabomber attacks, pleading guilty in in a federal plea bargain that spares him the death penalty, but denies him the right of appeal.

I interrupt this entry of the Phile to give you celebrity gossip so you can keep up with your girlfriend. Lily Allen accidentally texted topless photos to the lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs. 

Shia LaBeouf had his license suspended as a result of last year's DUI bust. David Faustino (aka, "Married with Children''s Bud Bundy) has a new comedic Web series co-starring Ed O'Neill and Corin "Parker Lewis" Nemec. Robert Deniro, Sting, Beyonce and many more partied at the Inaugural balls with Pres. Barack Obama. "Gossip Girl" star Kelly Rutherford's divorce is getting really ugly. Marisa Miller had a bikini malfunction while at the beach. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are Obama supporters now apparently. Eliza Dushku is producing a film about artist Robert Mapplethorpe. And now back to the Phile.

CANNED LAUGHTER

Q: How many perverts does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: Just one, but it takes a surgical team to get it out.

LOGAN AND I WENT TO THE MOVIES

Hotel For Dogs 

Starring Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Don Cheadle, Johnny Simmons, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Britney Christian who I interviewed. A brother and sister with rotten foster parents, people from whom they have to keep their pet dog a secret, find shelter for the mutt at an abandoned hotel. Turns out there are other strays squatting there too, so the kids recruit neighborhood friends to turn the place into a home for all the mongrels they can find, complete with great dog-centric inventions. Yes, everything here is crazy-adorable. And best of all, unlike a certain other cute canine movie in theaters near you, you’re not subjected to bummer-inducing pet death scenes or heart-shattering doggie funerals. Kids love having secret plans that adults aren’t in on. So this movie will dovetail nicely into that childhood desire. It’s got an elaborate, only-in-your-dreams secret clubhouse, a virtuous do-gooder plan operating under the noses of mean, stupid grownups who just don’t understand and, even better, are openly hostile towards kids and dogs. You couldn’t ask for a better fantasyland where the kid characters get to assert their dominance over their own destinies. Also? It saves its cutest, most heartwarming doggie love-bombing for the end and you get to see pugs and French Bulldogs in little outfits. Everyone likes that. The hotel set is almost as charming as the dogs themselves. Whoever designed and built the lo-fi contraptions that the dogs use to enjoy themselves—the motion simulator ride where they get to hang their heads out a car window while a fan blows in their face, a combination ferris wheel/conveyor belt food distribution system, a vending machine for shoes to chew on—should get some kind of recognition. And by that I mean something more than a mention in a review by some guy who’s barely a film critic.
And no, the dogs don't talk. Dogs are left to be dogs in this one. From 1 to 10, I give it a 9.

DOCTOR WHO

I wasn't a big fan of NBC's "Bionic Woman" remake. The best thing about it – besides Katee Sackhoff's guest turn – was star Michelle Ryan. The English actress not only looked the part, but her performance sometimes managed to make the show feel richer and more complex than it actually was. So I was happy to hear that she might play the new Doctor's companion on "Doctor Who". "Michelle's been in secret talks with BBC bosses," a source told the UK's Sunday Mirror. "They are likely to announce her as Doctor Who's new assistant very soon. She is perfect for the role. She is good looking and the right age to star alongside Matt (Smith). Everyone agrees they look great together and reckon fans will think they're the perfect team, too." I'm sure Ryan will get the part. She auditioned for the assistant role after Billie Piper left in 2005. She lost out to Freema Agyeman, but her profile has only gone up since then. I'm excited about the possible Ryan/Matt Smith combo. I might be in the minority here, but I hope "Doctor Who" will look and feel very different once Smith takes over the role. I'll really miss David Tennant and everything and everyone about the current incarnation of "Doctor Who", but I think it's time to regenerate. What do you think about the possibility of Ryan time traveling with the new Doctor? Are you still holding out hope for Lily Allen?

WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMEN?

Well before Watchmen even went into production, we knew that a killer soundtrack would be involved -- not only because the graphic novel's universe revels in a slightly different form of pop culture, but because Zack Snyder is pretty into the world of cinematic music. Three days before the film hits theaters, Sci Fi Wire reports that Warner Bros. will release two discs -- the soundtrack and the original score. Considering the huge number of people that will see this film, I can only hope that this inspires a new wave of retro apprectiation (sort of like Wayne's World and "Bohemian Rhapsody"). There's the hauntingly melodic "The Sound of Silence," some iconic Nat King Cole with "Unforgettable," "Pirate Jenny," which will grace the end credits of Tales From the Black Freighter, and my personal favorite -- the wonderfully haunting and pretty much perfect "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. But that's not all -- aside from these tunes, fans can pick up Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic on Blu-ray, and also watch out for a special "Watchmen Music Collectors Edition" later in the month which will go retro with picture discs. If you're a fan of this whole production, I suggest you start saving your pennies now. I think a lot of promotional trinkets will be headed our way.

Music From the Motion Picture Watchmen:
1. Desolation Row, My Chemical Romance
2. Unforgettable, Nat King Cole
3. The Times They Are A-Changin', Bob Dylan
4. The Sound of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel
5. Me & Bobby McGee, Janis Joplin
6. I'm Your Boogie Man, KC & The Sunshine Band
7. You're My Thrill, Billie Holiday
8. Pruit Igoe & Prophecies, The Philip Glass Ensemble
9. Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen
10. All Along the Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix
11. Ride of the Valkyries, Budapest Symphony Orchestra
12. Pirate Jenny, Nina Simone (used in the end credits of Tales From The Black Freighter).
Watchmen Original Motion Picture Score:
1. Rescue Mission
2. Don't Get Too Misty Eyed
3. Tonight the Comedian Died
4. Silk Spectre
5. We'll Live Longer
6. You Quit!
7. Only Two Names Remain
8. The American Dream
9. Edward Blake, The Comedian
10. The Last Laugh
11. Prison Fight
12. Just Look Around You
13. Dan's Apocalyptic Dream
14. Who Murdered Hollis Mason?
15. What About Janie Slater?
16. I'll Tell You About Rorschach
17. Countdown
18. It Was Me
19. All That Is Good
20. Requiem (Excerpted from Mozart's Requiem)
21. I Love You Mom

GEEK TALK

There is a delicious irony in the penny-pinching that surrounds Iron Man 2. We're talking about Tony Stark, a Marvel character who is wealthier than God, and whose sequel will bring in millions at the box office. Yet the studio reportedly didn't want to bring Jon Favreau back because they were convinced they could pay a new guy less. Then came reports that they dumped Terrence Howard largely because they had overpaid him. Last week, Samuel L. Jackson told the world that Marvel was feeling the economic crunch, and wouldn't pay his asking price to reprise the role of Nick Fury. Now, Variety reports that Marvel is offering Mickey Rourke the grand total of $250,000 to play Crimson Dynamo, and hints that he may not sign for such a low offer. Seriously Marvel? Of course, actors are hideously overpaid and all, but I think Rourke deserves a decent chunk of change for Iron Man 2 considering what Marvel will make on the film. Meanwhile the "maybe they aren't overpaid, money doesn't heal humiliation" category, check out this Liev Schreiber quote from Details about playing Sabretooth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. "I started to read blogs in the comic world with things like 'That's the dumpiest, most out-of-shape Sabretooth I've ever seen in my life!' They gave me a muscle suit at the beginning. I was so humiliated I thought, I've got to try to do this on my own ... I felt like I owed it to the genre to be big." Now take a moment, and be glad Fox cast someone as committed as Schreiber so that you didn't have to see Sabretooth in a rubber muscle suit. Remember Sleeper, the Tom Cruise, Sam Raimi project based on Ed Brubaker's comic series? In October, Brad Inglesby signed on to write the script, and you may have wondered why Brubaker didn't get the job. It turns out, he didn't want it. Brubaker told Sci Fi Wire: "I've talked to the producers a lot, but, you know, [if] Tom Cruise is going to star in this thing, I've got comics to write ... I would love it if they make it, and I want to go visit and everything. I can't imagine on that level working with like Tom Cruise and Sam Raimi. I think I would actually feel daunted, and I'd prefer not to feel daunted. Plus, I know that movie's going to cost $100 million. Even if I wrote a draft, I'll be better off letting them hire a bunch of other writers and then send me scripts to fix." The project is on the fast track after the success of Valkyrie, but they don't yet have a full script. Finally, The Hollywood Reporter has a charming video of Hugh Jackman telling everyone why it's cool to be Wolverine -- and maybe it was something about that macho set, but he seems to have a moment of poor self-esteem to rival Schreiber's. 

PHINALLY

There, kids, the latest entry of the Phile. The interviews will be back tomorrow with Bryan Eden from Tribe of Eden, then on Sunday it's Jeremy Rowe from The Jeremy Rowe Band. Monday we'll have The Handful, Tuesday it's Dylan from Trading Voices which is a band, and Wednesday Adam Bentley from The Rest. I am slowly catching up on the interviews I have done, and will be do many more in the next few weeks. So, until then, spread the word, not the turd.