Iron Maiden/Ghost fan interview!

Hello Munsters!! Tonight I wanted to do a different interview. I wanted to interview a fan after a show do give some perspective. One of my ghouls went to see Ghost and Iron Maiden at the Talking Stick Resort in Phoenix Az last night. Below is my interview with out very own Jay!

L: As a first time experience, how was Ghost and Iron Maiden Live?

J: It was definitely a night to remember on my behalf. Mainly because it was two great bands. Ghost, being one of my favorite bands touring along with the legendary and iconic Iron Maiden; there was no way I was missing it. They both put on great shows. Ghost has always been very theatrical with their outfits, scenery, and masks. Then there was Iron Maiden whose set was huge along with pyrotechnics, a six foot Eddy on stage, and massive props.

L: How was the venue?

J: I’m sure if that arena was any bigger, it still would have sold out. It was at the Talking Stick Resort arena in Phoenix. A first time for me being there and it was huge. 

L: How was the atmosphere?

J: Very crowded when Maiden was getting ready to play, I’m sure I got contact high by some of the guys that were smoking pot, and it was a heavily energetic atmosphere too. It also varied with the sets. For example, when Ghost played they gave that atmosphere of a dance vibe with their latest hit Square Hammer, and then there were other times where you could just feel the beautiful and eerie chills with songs like Monstrance Clock and Cirice. Then there was Iron Maiden who gave all the energy they had to the crowd and of course we were all receptive of it. I’ll tell you, it’s an awesome feeling when the beats of the bass drum fall in sync with the beats of your heart.

L: As a fan of both bands, what were your favorite songs live?

J: Well if I have to narrow it down to two each, I’d have to say The Number of the Beast, and Fear of the Dark for Iron Maiden; and Square Hammer and Ritual by Ghost.

L: If you could change one thing from the event, what would it be and why?

J: That Ghost would’ve played Jigolo Har Megiddo. (Laughs). It’s one of my favorite songs by them and I would’ve loved to see them play it live. Other than that everything was perfect. Except some minor things that are inevitable when it comes to concerts, but that’s no big deal.

L: Rate your experience

J: Isn’t it pretty obvious? 10/10 rating by Jay.

L: What’s your conclusion?

J: Overall it was just beautiful to see all kinds of people coming together for a common interest. It always just goes to show that music really has no boundaries, walls, color, or shape—and Bruce really elaborated on that topic before breaking into singing Blood Brothers. I saw people my age just as excited for Iron Maiden—a band of the 70’s—as those who probably discovered them back in the day. Moral of the story is as always: there’s power in music. Enjoy it.

INTERVIEW WITH BTSTYX!!

Good Evening Munsters! Tonight I wanted to share my recent interview with Beyond The STYX. They are a Ghost Metal Hardcore band from Tours France. I found these guys on my Twitter account one night and instantly wanted to know more about them and their music. The band has been pounding out their hardcore sound since 2011. Currently on tour and with a release of their new song "Lupus" Lets dive into my chat with these amazing men!

-With the song Scylla & Charydis, what are you trying to portray to the listener?

This was our first song. We don't play it anymore. But this is a song about strange old feelings....When you feel oppressed and lost by the trials of life.

-Besides music, where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in life and death. To opposites things that build me year after year. Sometimes in different ancients myths, but mainly greek & judeo christain mythologies.

-Inspiration behind the name Beyond the Styx?

The origin of our band name: "BTSTYX" is about a border between life and death. Who are we living & who are we dead? Where is Heaven? Where is Hell? What image does our world really represent?

-Best venue so far?

Probably "le Gallion" in Lorient (France). An independent burning venue with an amazing crowd!

-Bands you look up to?

It's a hard question because we've got a lot of different musical influences in BTSTYX..... I would say: Nasty for the violence, Cancer Bats for the intensity, Suburban Scum for the insanity, Harm's Way for the modernity, Backtrack for the groove way, and Power Trip for the crossover way.

-Top 5 in your personal playlist?

Converge: "No Heroes"
Hatebreed: "Rise of brutality"
Harm's Way: "Isolation'
Ringworm: "Hammer of the witch"
Young and in the way: "When life comes to death"

-Tell us a profound moment in your life that affected your music?

My birth, probably my first death...... I underwent cardiac arrest following complications when i was born.

-When you write music, what do you hope to have fans take away from their experience?

We write about life and death. We write hardcore music. Violence of our lyrics and music could be a source of inspiration, reflection and why not (hopefully) transmission!

-Are you trying to tap into something they might relate to or take them on a journey with your music?

Not really. Our music is a call to travel, introspection and openness as such.

-After your current tour, what do you guys have planned next?

Finalize the recording of out next album which looks more hardcore crossover than ever! 
Recorded by David Potvin at Dome Studio (Kronos. TANK, One Way Mirror) 
Produced by Nick Jett/Terror (BackTrack, Lionheart, Broken Teeth). And then prepare for our next European tour.

This concludes my interview with BTSTYX, Thank you guys for taking time out of your hectic schedule to talk to us here at Munster Music. Below are links to their site with videos, and tour dates and social media platforms. As always munsters until next time......KEEP IT LOUD!  xo Lady Munster

► OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

Little Munster turns 2!!!

It's an exciting time at Munster Music Blog. This month MMB turns 2!!

I'd be lying if I said it's been all roses and rainbows. Truth is, it has had its shares of ups and downs. However, with struggles and downfalls there is strength. I've had bands cancel interviews and have jumped through hoops just to fall short. I also had to show I'm a serious lady in this male dominated industry. Through it all I'm here to stay and my passion for this runs deep. I may not always get "that interview" but, it just motivates me to push harder.

With all that I'd like to take a minute to say thanks! Two years ago, I had this blogging idea in my living room with friends. I never expected it to take off the way it has. The first week alone my inbox was overwhelmed with bands. Immediately I started to write reviews and line up interviews. After getting a groove I decided to try my hand at merch. The response was extraordinary. I sold out before posting to my blog. The next event completely shocked me. One of the local stores asked to have my merch on their shelves. A moment I'll most certainly never forget. 😊

Munster has gotten to talk to some extremely talented people and has witnessed and enjoyed some amazing music. To the bands, Virulent, Go Ask Alice, LORD, Triguna, Muckocet, Hitokiri, John Kay, American Wolves, The Royal, Fatally Yours, and Never Say Die. Thank all of you for giving us the time to talk to you all.

I also want to say thank you to Monique, Delfina, Nicci, Jack, Ronnie, Jorge, Alex, and Randy. All of you have helped or still help make MMB great. Most importantly MUNSTERS!! Thank you for reading, sharing, and following. It truly means the world to me!

Now that I've gotten all the mushy stuff out of the way. I have more interviews coming up as well as the launch of new merch. This time bigger and no spoilers. That way it can be live online 😁 There is also some new goodies and events that you will have to stay tuned to see! (Sorry guys I can't spill all the tea just yet) 😉

In all Munster is still learning the ropes but with anything in life you keep striving to do better. I can't wait to see what's in store for MMB! Here is to many more years 🍾🥂🎉  As always keep it loud!
-❤️💋 Lady Munster


Below is a little something from Lady Munsters right hand ghoul Delfina ❤️

"I didn't actually get involved with Munster Music right out of the gate. I'm really close with Lady Munster, I've known her since 1998 and we've been through a lot together. So trust me when I say, I honestly thought Munster Music was the hobby for the moment. I was supportive of the idea, and the passion she had for it, but I didn't see her sticking with it. I'm not a blogger, but I write, and I know how hard that is sometimes.

I was surprised by the passion that just kept pouring out of her. She was like a God damn dog with a bone, she just wouldn't let it go. So I started to help her from afar. I live 6 hours away from her, so it was difficult for me to actually be there for her in a literal sense. I basically started helping by performing administrative duties. It's what I do and have done full time for 10 years, so I know the ropes on all that junk. I helped her with forms, and paperwork and ideas.
We're learning. We're growing and we're getting better at what we do. We all start off young, not knowing many things. But following your passion is something you can build on. Which is what Lady Munster is doing with Munster Music Blog. ❤️"

An angels voice

Good evening Munsters. Tonight I wanted to share more of a personal post with you all. Naturally, it's music related, not just because I'm a music blogging beast, but because music is my passion.

In this post I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an artist that truly paved the way to my personal introduction to music. Last week I awoke to the news of Chris Cornell's passing.

That morning was just like any other, until I sat down with my coffee and phone to view my twitter feed. When I saw the post, along with the headline my heart sank. Right then, I had a flash back to when I was an 11year old, watching VH1. I was remembering the video to Black Hole Sun. That particular song/video was my first time hearing Sound Garden. I remembered the opening riff and how it sparked my interest and glued my eyes and ears to the big screen. Chris's voice was something beyond this earth. As I sat there listening I couldn't help but wonder if he was an alien. The video itself captivated me. I'm not going to lie, at first I thought I would walk out of my house with a distorted face as well, lol. Throughout those 5mins and 18 seconds  I was spellbound, left wanting more.

As I grew older I obtained  a collection of their albums, along with learning about other artist such as Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and Temple of the Dog (Which Chris was in).  My senior year in high school, I read about Audioslave and their debut album. I couldn't wait till that November to run out and grab the album. November came and I literally hauled ass to the store and bought the album. By the time I got home, I already had the cd unwrapped and ready to go. Once again I was like that 11year old girl, glued to the stereo and patiently waiting for the first song to start playing. It seemed like an eternity, but in reality was only a matter of seconds. The first song up was Cochise. I jumped up with enthusiasm and cranked my stereo up as loud as it would possibly go and bounced off the walls in my room. (Waiting to see my mom walk in and ask what the hell I'm doing 🤣) As I went through each track, completely zoned into the melodies and lyrics, I landed on track 5 and became very emotional. The lyrics hit my heart like a ton of bricks. It's making you wonder what song was on Track 5, isn't it. It's making you wonder what was going on in my life. It's making you ask "why?"

When I was younger, I experienced a devastating loss. I lost my father. This gentleman was my pillar, my rock. He had been there for me like no one else had ever been. I always felt alone after his passing. So when I heard the chorus

 "In your house I long to be
Room by room patiently
I'll wait for you there
Like a stone
I'll wait for you there
Alone" 

I couldn't help but breakdown. Very few artists posses the ability to write into words exactly what you're feeling. It's a difficult concept to grasp, and even harder ability to master. He put his own emotions into the lyrics, the band played just the right chords, and the haunting melody resounded in me, as well as many other people in this world. He was able to touch in me, the way I felt about the loss of my father, and probably a million different interpretations for a million different other people. He may not have been writing specifically about loosing a father, or anyone else as special as my dad was to me. But he sure as hell possessed the talent to tap into that with me. I continued to listen to the album in its entirety. Completely mesmerized by their talents. 

For me, I may have not have known Chris Cornell personally. But through his voice, his song writing and his fellow, talented, band members, I knew him. I knew what I felt when I listened to them. They were always my therapy sessions. The impact he made on the music scene was astounding. 

To his family and friends, I send love and prayers. To the many, many fans, like myself, I hope sharing this personal post makes you remember your experiences with songs, music and the talented artists behind them. R.I.P. Chris. You will be missed, but your Music legacy will live on forever.

💔-Lacey 

Metalfest!!!

Last Saturday night we attended the 5th annual Metalfest at club red in mesa Az. Two stages and a night filled with talented artists.  The atmosphere was adrenalizing, the crowds were pumped to see their favorite bands. Needless to say this was a show you shouldn't have missed. Bands included Pelvic Meatloaf, Souless, Howitzer, Virulent, Murkocet, Sicmonic, Hillbilly Devilspeak, Prepare The Gallows, Bleed The Fifth, and Scattered Guts. Each band has their own distinct sound that captivates you to move your ass with a fist in the air. I always find it fascinating to hear every bands musical influences and that night I got to hear multiple generes from across the board. The night as a whole was genuinely amazing. For a few people it was their first metal show experience and they enjoyed the music and atmosphere. Overall awesome night and thank you to the ladies and gents that took a chance on a new experience and rolled to the show with me. Also one last thank you to B.T. For letting me know about this rad event!! Below are pictures from that night! Thanks again and like always until next time keep it loud! -Lacey 🤘🏻

Hype for nothing

I wanted to take a moment and talk about something I've seen a lot of while doing this blog. Before I dive right in I want to say my blog post from Saturday's metalfest will be up tomorrow. I'm still going through pictures. Anyway back to this post. I guess you can say it really grinds my gears to see bands that haven't really put in the heart, sweat and tears get more exposure and more recognition then the bands that have. I'm not saying this as a blogger I'm saying this as a concert enthusiast. I've seen and heard some extremely talented bands and they're artistic abilities don't get the exposure they deserve. A lot of which generated the idea of Munster Music Blog to bring more people out and to read and experience new bands. I miss the days where you seen bands put in the foot work to make something extraordinary. Don't get me wrong there are still some out there however with this day an age it's a lot of video post and sheer luck. I ask you as a viewer and as a music lover to always listen to bands and really get a vibe and don't always follow with a flock. Not every band is as amazing as they hype it up to be. Go out and support your local music scene! Give the bands that put they're heart and soul into their work a chance. You would be amazed at some of the raw talent that's out there. Now that my mini rant is over rock on and till next time keep it loud! -Lacey 🤘🏻

Never Say Die!🤘🏻

Happy Cinco de Mayo Munsters! I had a chance to chat with Never Say Die's Ried Henry. There currently on a US and Canada tour. There debut album Destory + Rebuild is out now along with being on Sirius octanes big uns countdown! Now let's get into our interview with Mr. Henry! 🎶🙌🏻

Lacey- When and what motivated you to start playing? 

Reid- My mother would always sing and play piano when I was a child. She taught me, but it wasn't until later on when I discovered punk rock that I started writing songs. 

Lacey- What instruments do you play?

Reid-I sing & play piano, guitar, bass & I'm an audio engineer. 

Lacey-Which famous musicians do you admire and why?

Reid-I have tremendous admiration for artists like Korn, Three Days Grace & Metallica. They've been making records for years and years but they're still able to make fresh, provocative & timeless rock music. 

Lacey-Have you gotten to work with any famous musicians?

Reid-I've had the privilege of having played & learned from many famous artists. Most notably the Three Days Grace guys, who I continue to look up to. 

Lacey- Fondest musical memories?

Reid-In 2012, My Darkest Days got to play Maddison Square Gardens... that was one of our proudest moments as a band and I'm very grateful to have been apart of it. 

Lacey- Upcoming tour dates?

Reid-Our US Tour dates are available at www.neversaydie.ca - we'll be on the road all year!

Lacey-How do you handle mistakes during performances?

Reid-I try really hard and practice till I can do the songs backwards and upside down... so on stage thankfully mistakes are rare... you just have to keep... playing... the song... no matter what.

Lacey- I noticed on the album "Destroy +rebuild" it's mostly about relationships, Is this through your own personal experiences?

Reid-I tend to embellish personal experiences. I find songs always turn out better when they come from a place of personal truth. Song smithing is good and all but if there isn't a personal truth or something to be an emotional pilot light in the song, it feels like something's missing. 

Lacey-What's your top 4 in your playlist?

Reid- My top 4 (today):

1-You Don't Get Me High Anymore 

3DG

2- Royal Blood - Lights Out

3- Hell Yeah - Love Falls

4- Starset - Monster

Lacey-What advice would you give to other musicians who are starting out?

Reid-Never give up on what you love.

Lacey-This is a quick fire question round. It gives the readers those answers to the most important questions 😜

Lacey-PBR or Corona?

Reid-Corona
Lacey-Gouda or Provolone ?
Reid-Provolone 

Lacey-Apple or Android ?
Reid-Apple

Lacey-PS4 or Xbox?
Reid-Xbox

Lacey-Burritos or Tacos?
Reid-TACOS

Lacey-Sneakers or Boots?
Reid-Boots

Lacey-Lastly my favorite and yes I do judge every musician on this question, Coke or Pepsi?
Reid-Coke 

I'd like to give a big thank you to Reid for taking the time out of there current tour to chat for a bit. Below are there links to check show dates also give them a follow on all social media platforms. 

NEVER SAY DIE MUSIC

Toronto, ON, Canada

(Active Rock / Alternative)

www.NeverSayDie.ca

www.facebook.com/NeverSayDieTheBand

www.twitter.com/NeverSayDieCA

www.instagram.com/NeverSayDieOfficial