Starting Over by Katie Horner
Looking for a way to time travel back to the 90’s? The Spokane Washington based band, Starting Over has the sound to do just that. Members of the band are Guitarist Brian Howard, bassist Andrew Wallender and new to the band, drummer Jake West. After West joined the band a few moths back, starting over is exactly what their doing.
Starting Over began in 2004 and by 2006 had an EP entitled Picking Up the Pieces. From that EP, the band got the public listening through local tours and airing their live music on local radio stations like Rock 94.5 in Spokane, WA. These days Starting Over’s main goal is to hit up the studios in January and record a full length album. Then after, travel to different states and reach more people. Their upcoming tour will take them through the states of Oregon, California and other areas of Washington. (Visit www.myspace.com/startingoverband for tour dates and details).
Many of the member’s source of writing motivation come from everyday life experiences as a band as well as their experiences with and as friends. This being the driving force behind much of their music, it was easy for Howard to sum up the band name.  “[Starting Over]…is something everyone has to do in their life, so it relates to all of us.” The band’s musical influences include artists such as Rise Against, Face to Face and Hot Water Music.
With their punk sound and almost grunge appearance, it’s not surprising that most of their fan base is located in Western Washington. “We have a very positive response over there [in Western Washington], more so than our home shows actually,” said Howard.
Whether a 90’s punk fan or not, you’ll be impressed with this talented young threesome. Keep a look out for them to come to your town around February or March 2008.
Transistor Radio by Katie Horner
Hitting the airwaves across the nation is the rock band Transistor Radio. The band has only been together 3 years, but their unique sound has given them a jump start in the music business.
Transistor Radio is a band from southern California and was originally formed in 2004. But over the years band members have come and gone due to personal reasons, and conflicting interests concerning the goals of the band. Guitarist and percussionist Guy Bravo, and drummer Jordan Heid are the only two original band members. In the past year and a half Bravo and Heid have been joined by talented new members Andrew Galbreath (bassist), Jamesdon Kissling (singer), and Sam Moreno (guitarist).
Recently Transistor Radio toured with Procella to raise awareness and money for the Feed Just One charity. They rocked the crowd and educated them about the 800 million starving people in our world today. On their tour they also promoted their new CD entitled, A Legacy Between.
The band describes their music as pop rock. “We want to have popular music,” said Bravo. Our music is less about the style…we’d rather just hang out with people… our goal is to reach as many people as we can.”
Their band name was inspired by their goal. “A radio is used to broadcast a message to many people… our band has a message and that message is of God’s love,” said Galbreath. Still this doesn’t mean that Transistor Radio’s music comes close to the gospel genre. Their music still keeps its edge and popularity while spreading a positive message.
Michael Fortney has been a fan of Transistor Radio since they first began. He first heard the band attending a Number One Gun concert. “The band was really nice and they gave me a free CD,” said Fortney. Ever since then he has been a fan. “I like their unique sound and the fact that they aren't afraid to share their faith and their amazing lyrics.” Fortney says he has seen them live countless times and they are an, “AMAZING live band; one of the best.”
Transistor Radio is planning a shorter tour in December and then to hit the road again with the band Wavorly in January / February of next year. More information regarding this amazing upcoming band and their tours can be found at Transistor Radio’s website www.myspace.com/transistorradio.
Knock Me Down by Katie Horner
 Saturday November 17, 2007, the new and improved local Seattle band, Knock Me Down, plays their first show with new members Mitch Duncan, and Gabriel Slatten. Excited with the new energy and talent brought to the band, original band members Daniel Sande and April Reeves, hope this jump start will send their songs souring to the tops of the charts.
Previously they considered themselves a upbeat pop-rock band, Knock Me Down vocalist Sande says, “We are working towards slowing it down and making a more radio friendly pop-rock.” Their goal right now is to record an album on which every track could be released as a single.
The bands musical influences come across all genres. For example Slatten grew up with brothers listening to 80’s rock and now draws a lot of his inspiration from bands like Poison and Duran Duran. But Reeves grew up with family who loved the Beatles, Buddy Holly and the Beach Boys.
All members hope to someday have the band be their source of income, but as of now outside jobs are crucial. Duncan, also known as “The Champion,” just recently moved to Seattle from Spokane and is a student at University Of Washington. Duncan, and Reeves both work at local preschools. Sande works in Bremerton, and Slatten works in the sound department at a major label.
Knock Me Down hopes to record their first full length record this winter and are working on getting into the studio with MxPx lead singer, Mike Herrera. Knock Me Down plays Nov. 17th in Chehalis at 7pm. For calender details and more information, visit their official website at www.myspace.com/knockmedownmusic.
Sprockets by Katie Horner
New to the Rock and Roll scene is the talented young band, Sprockets, based out of Boise Idaho. Rocking fans since 2006, Brodie Kurtis Vans on vocals and guitar, “Brave Dave” Schwaller on bass, and Dustin “Hollywood” Johnson on drums, are confident in the success of their band.
All three bands members are completely dedicated to the band, and are committed to, “making it big.” As of now, Sprockets is signed with Sworn in Records. And in their time together have released one CD entitled; Synthetic Addictions.
Vans writes most of the music and lyrics for the band. Instead, of merely translating life experiences into rocking toe-tapping tunes, Vans adds real world meaning to inspirational movie scenes. “We take things, or situations, from our lives and then set it as a scene from a movie” said Vans. Most scenes are from movies by Quinton Terintino or Robert Rodriguez.
Through tours and myspace.com Sprockets have acquired a fan base that stretches across the United States. A few months ago when I saw them play in Bellevue Washington, I found out why. As soon as they took the stage I could immediately tell they were experienced and comfortable in front of crowds. Their performance following was energetic, unique, and packed full of talent. In the middle of the set “Hollywood” Johnson played a spine-tingling drum solo, which was quite possibly the highlight of the evening.
As of now, Sprockets are in the “funding process,” but would love to be recording if they had the money. They have about eleven new songs in progress, and are still contemplating a name for their next album. Their previous album, “Synthetic Addictions”, they described as a, “Heavy set mixture of [The Red Hot] Chili Peppers and Thursday.”
Although most of their music would be considered hard rock, many of their songs blur the differences between the genres. This band has a unique sound with a distinct edge, which intrigues the listener and leaves audiences waiting for more.
For show details and more information, please visit www.myspace.com/sprocket and www.myspace.com/stepoutpresents.
A Blinding Spyre by Sapphire-Crystle
My first encounter with this four piece band was at Clay Peak Motorcycle Park in Payette, Idaho. The stage was set. Eight different bands battling for the chance of a lifetime: to open for 80's icons, Dokken, Warrant, and Great White. The audience was filled with some of the region’s best motocross riders and all of their fans. None of which knew nor understood, the owner's desire to combine two separate worlds. The world of motorcross and the world of music.
The first several bands took the stage and the crowds interest begin to fade. One by one they retreated to other areas of the park ranging from the little cook shack to the air conditioned trailers. As A Blinding Spyre’s turn approached to impress the less-then-thrilled crowd, I observed four boys, looking not much older than 18, set up their equipment. With doubts already in my mind, it was curiousity that managed to keep me in place.
Alex Sweet, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, took the mic. "We are A Blinding Spyre...what a great crowd we got here," He said, as he continued to engage the remaining audience with small talk. Chuckles came out as he lightly joked about the heat of the day and size of the crowd. "This is 'Where Things Fall’," he stated as the music began. The guitarist, Truman Young, fingers moved swiftly across the fret board. He displayed such precision and talent that would make you think he was a protege' of Eddie Van Halen. Aaron Harting on bass, gave a thunderous undertone to the mix. The young bassist sang backing vocals and presented his screams with an electric power that could mesmerize anyone. The youngest of the foursome, Kaleb Hundersmark, represented a level of maturity, on drums and rear vocals, equal to anyone who had been perfecting the skill for many years
As the sound surged from the stage, I was taken back by their performance. They had a rareness to their sound that you would not expect out of your average punk/alternative rock band. Each member's sound complimented the other. The phenomenal chemistry these boys shared "off stage", was heightened even more "on stage". A Blinding Spyre’s music reminded me of aspect of AFI to Avenege Sevenfold to even Green Day. I noticed that this band would give their all for ten people or for a thousand and I was not alone in my fascination. As the boys continued to play, the dispersed crowd returned and began to gather at the front of the stage. The applause became louder, smiles became wider, and the crowds interest was regained. The young foursome walked away victorous of the prize and of the affections of some unsuspecting fans.
I would personally recommend A Blinding Spyre to those searching for something new and unique. Their music is great for listeners of all ages and is an awesome experience. Come encounter the positive and contagious energy for yourself on November 9th in La Grande, Oregon and November 10th in Richland, Washington. A Blinding Spyre’s “Self Titled EP,” recently recorded in collaboration with StepOut! Entertainment, will be available at the merchandise table for your ride home.
For show details and directions, please visit www.myspace.com/ablindingspyre or email ablindingspyre@stepoutonline.com.
Where Have All the Dreamers Gone? by Karri Fairfield
Matt Ehlers…you may have heard the name or seen the face, either as drummer for a well known local punk band or guitarist for a female fronted hard rock band. Ehlers has put down the sticks and unplugged the guitar for the time being gone acoustic, wowing fans all over Western Washington.
Matt has been in the “industry” on and off stage for many years. I met him, several years ago, as the Production Manager of the largest club venue in Boise, Idaho. As we sat in the upstairs bar, we discussed the acts that he had worked with in various capacities and locations over the years. The list was diverse and included performers like Elvis Costello, The Pixies, Sevendust, REO Speedwagon and Killswitch Engage,
His meekness astounded me.
A couple years later, Matt and I teamed up to book a full two-week tour for the ska that I represented and the Japanese punk band with whom he was working. It was then that he informed me that he spoke some Japanese and has booked full US & Japanese tours previously, being only one of a handful of people in the US with this skill.
His experiences floored me.
As drummer, Matt played locally and toured internationally, with Jaded52 and locally with Pirex as their lead guitarist. The eclectic talent that he possesses and professional experience (booking, logistics, and tour management) has well-surpassed your average musician. So when I received the phone call that Matt was doing solo shows, I giggled.
His abilities continues to surprises me.
Writing a review about someone you can call “friend” might be a journalistic taboo, however how dare I not share! A couple of days ago, Matt was informed that he will have an opportunity to support the person who is probably his single largest musical influence. A dream comes true?… Possibly… Probably. Either way, it is an incredible and exciting opportunity that no one will want to miss.
On Thursday November 1, Matt Ehlers will open the evening and share the stage with Chuck Ragan. Ragan is the former co-frontman of two extremely influential Florida bands Hot Water Music and Rumbleseat. The event will be held at El Corazon in Seattle and begins sharply at 7:30pm. Admission is $12; tickets are available both online and at many retail outlets.
“All successful people …are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward ... that goal or purpose.” Come be a part of this opportunity, this dream. It’s a night that Matt Ehlers will never forget.
For more information on the performance, please visit the following websites: www.myspace.com/stepoutpresents, www.chuckragan.com, www.elcorazonseattle.com.
Poorsport by Katie Horner
Kevin Mackey, Ben Dietzen, Kyle Andrews and Barrett Nelson make up the punk band Poorsport, a band originally from the rainy city of Seattle rocks fans all over Washington.
Poorsport has released two full length CDs and recently a five song demo, entitled Rain City Punk. This new demo features their most recent addition to their band, drummer Barrett Nelson. Their two other CDs were recorded with their former drummer Skeeter McClellan. Check out the tracks on their website at www.myspace.com/poorsport.
Rain City Punk starts off loud and fast, showcasing Poorsport’s talent and compatibility as a band. Each song is stylistically different and each member’s unique musical style blends together surprisingly well.
The energy on their album was nothing compared to their performance on stage. I saw Poorsport live at their show at the L.A.B Seattle Drum School. The members were naturals on stage and kept the audience involved and singing along.
“I like Poorsport, not only, because they are great musicians, but because they are a bunch of goofy guys who love to get up on stage and have a good time,” said long-time fan Laurie Bradshaw.
The band’s musical influences encompass many different punk and rock bands including; Bad Religion, Lagwagon, Blink 182 and Slayer.
When making their music their inspirations come from everyday life and their faith. Mackey said that when he helps in writing lyrics he gains his inspiration from two people, “One, Jesus and two, stupid Christians, or Christians who like rules, more than Jesus.”
This talented punk band recently performed for a charity event at Ground Zero in Bellevue, WA. Their aim was to spread awareness for the Feed Just One organization, who raises money to help feed the 800 million starving people in our world today.
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