KickActs interviews KT Paige from “Romantic Rebel”!
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and where you can be found online.
-KT: “My name is KT Paige. I sing for Romantic Rebel and I’m the Disney Princess of Horror. We’re most active on Facebook (Facebook.com/RomanticRebelRocks) so make sure you check out our page to see when we’ll be tearing up a venue near you!”
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
-KT: “I’m a huge fan of Stevie Nicks. I love her singing and her style in general. I also love Alice Cooper and Danny Worsnop for their music and stage presence.”
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
-KT: “Definitely network as much as possible and make as many friends in the business as you can. Also, you can only play the same circuit for so long. If you want people to hear your music, you have to tour outside of your city, state and region.”
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
-KT: “Nothing comes to mind. We usually take all advice we receive into consideration.”
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
-KT: “Playing Louder Than Life Fest was one of the coolest gigs we’ve played to date. Running into some of my band friends, as well as some of the musicians I look up to backstage, was pretty cool!”
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
-KT: “I paint a lot of zombies and puppies.”
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
-KT: “It seems that a lot of bands nowadays feel that they don’t need to actually play their instruments or sing when they play shows. Sometimes the band’s album was produced to make the band sound better than they really are and when the time comes to perform it live, they can’t live up to the perfected sounds on the recording. So as a result, they use a multitude of tracks to give the illusion that they can actually play their parts just like the album. I’m not talking about background synth or strings that can give a live song body. It’s when singers are moving their mouths to melodies that are out of their range and guitarists are moving their hands up and down the guitar neck to a complicated riff. The way I look at it, if you can’t play it live, don’t put it on the album.”<——–HELL YEA I AGREE! (Editor)
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
-KT: “I don’t think it really affects it. Excluding: Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, etc., most of the contestants on the show rarely make a dent in the industry after the show ends.”
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
-KT: “It’s a problem that is always going to occur. So the only thing you can do is think about the fact that your music is being spread around, even if it’s not in the most ideal manner.”
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
-KT: “Alex is a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Marvel and DC. Zach is completely obsessed with candy. Ty claims he loves Stars Wars, but he still hasn’t seen The Force Awakens.”
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
-KT: “If I didn’t know what a vinyl album was, I don’t deserve to be in band. I don’t own a record player, but I’ve bought ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ as a gift for someone who does.”
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip syncing or real vocals?
-KT: “I think you know my opinion of this by now.”
Who, or what, is the next big thing?-KT: “Only the Music Gods know the answer to that…”
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
-KT: “Right now, it’s Fleetwood Mac, but that will probably change next month.”
Favorite movie of all time and why.
-KT: “Hardest. Question. Ever. I have an answer for every genre.”
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s where you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead KT PAIGE and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
-KT: “We’ll be heading out on tour this Summer, so come to a show and party with us!”
Categories: General Tags: alice cooper, chicago, Hard Rock, metal, music, rock, Romantic Rebel, stevie nicks
KickActs interviews “NoMara”!
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
Face Book link: NoMara
Website: Nomara
Responses by all members as noted:
Kelly Burdge: Lead vocals
John LeCompt: Back-up Vocals and Guitar
Jack Larson: Drums
Josh Grissom: Guitar
Thad Ables: Bass
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
Kelly: All my musical heroes are based upon seeing them perform live and processed the ability to move me emotionally in a way that can only be described as electric. David Lee Roth (early years), Jani Lane, Scott Stapp (early Creed years), Brent Smith (early Shinedown), Jeff Keith, Brett Michaels, Katy Perry, Gwen Stephanie. Authenticity rules.
John: Crowbar, Pantera, Metallica, Hank III, Slayer, Twenty-One Pilots, Florence And The Machine, Massive Attack, Lana Del Rey, Die Antwoord…a multitude. I take in something from everything. If it sounds good, it goes into the memory bank and I pull all I can from it.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
John:
The only advice that I consistently share is to do it because you love it. No matter what happens, good or bad, there are rewards and disappointments, either way. Making music and bringing something creative and beautiful into the world is it’s own reward, regardless of fame, money and popularity. If you have that attitude, then good things and opportunities will make themselves known at the right time and even if they don’t, you will be fulfilled and satisfied.
Kelly: Never give up and there is no longer such thing as being too old. Stay in shape, take care of yourself and follow your heart. Just because you have a family and are forced to “quit” the band, don’t stop playing and writing. If it’s what you want to do, you can do it, it may just NOT unfold the way you think was supposed to.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Kelly: So far nothing I can think of. I typically listen to everyone and let it settle in, eventually if you are true to yourself and to others the right way will be unveiled as we go along.
Thad: None that I can think of. I have an issue with taking advice to begin with. For the most part I have no regrets in this matter.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Kelly: The very first time I performed on stage my favorite song at the time was called Overrated. I completely forgot the words and made up both verses on the fly by rhyming and mumbling.
John: The worst would have to be the twenty minute trip between the main road and the destination at the Festimod festival in Madrid, Spain. You have to drive right next to where the entire city’s sewage runs to. True story, the worst smell in the world. The best would have to be playing direct support for Metallica in the same city.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Jack: Other than music. I love playing soccer. I’ve played since I was 3. Had the privilege of playing in Europe . Also big into working out and spending time with the nephews.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
Josh: It sucks. People are just lazy and would rather watch it on YouTube
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
Thad: It’s certainly hasn’t brought any substantial value to the game. I’m fairly indifferent to talent shows such as this anyway. There is a downside to it, of course. Here we have starving, ambitious talents who
will lay their hopes and dreams before a panel of random judges, and they’ll be put through trials to determine their worth as a valuable contender. For some, it’s a make or break moment. That’s an unfortunate way of approaching it. The only test I feel is worthwhile is the road test. Tour tour tour. Your panel of judges are an authentic audience, and that matters. That means something.The upside to these talent shows are the ones who don’t win, but still continue to tour after their little bit of TV limelight has come and gone. When all is said is done, the touring life is the only real currency in this business anymore.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
Kelly: Well from a financial standpoint it has crippled the industry for a majority of bands. However, given the option of having someone take it for free vs. pay, please take it but at least come to one of our shows. Have some respect for the amount of time and money it takes us to create these songs. At least give us a shout out once in a while. Free music and tour buy on’s make it nearly impossible to even come close to breaking even for 90% of bands. I have not stolen a song since back in the Napster days. I understood the problem with it and don’t do it. Even before I was in a band. Even today I spend hundreds on I-Tunes cards for my kids.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
John: I think the latter part of my “influences” answer may be something that wouldn’t be expected. That, and I do a damn good impression of Josh, our guitar player. It’s pretty spot on and always good for a laugh.
Jack: I suppose something that most wouldn’t expect from me is that, when I’m not touring around playing drums, I work healthcare. I’ve worked with kids and adults who’ve sustained brain and spinal injuries along with working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. I love helping people. That won’t ever leave me.
Josh: I waited tables for 10 years in every restaurant imaginable while looking for my big break with music.
Thad: I usually don’t listen to metal when I’m on my downtime, very rarely, in fact. There’s so many varieties of music out there, and I embrace, own and listen to everything I can get my hands on. To me, a
good song is a good song, no matter the genre or when it was made. I embrace all of it. I mean, right now I’m listening to Blind Willie McTell, sooo..
Kelly: Everything that is happening in my life today I imagined it years ago.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
Josh: The skipper because that’s the only part of the song I remember.
Kelly: Mary Anne. I love brunettes. Plus Mrs. Howel was taken.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Thad: Of course! My first albums, besides cassettes, were vinyl. My dad owned an eclectic mix of vinyl such as CCR’s “Cosmo’s Factory”, Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn”, The Beatles “Rubber Soul” & ‘Help”, Jesus Christ Superstar Soundtrack, Rare Earth “Get Ready.” I personally owned Ozzy Osbourne/Randy Rhoads Tribute, Slayer’s “Hell Awaits”, Kiss “Animalize” etc.
Kelly: Kiss Alive II
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
Jack: Hmm..stuck on an island with the Biebs. I’d probably try and get a NoMara shoutout via his twitter or Instagram before he gets choked out. Either that, or see if he could introduce me to some Hollywood ladies. But classy ones.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
Jack: Ole Miley. I don’t think she’s all that bad. She actually has a good voice. Other than that, twerking is stupid. Also, I miss her long hair. She had it going on then.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Kelly: Really strange question. Real vocals all day long. Most rock songs today including our own have so many layers to them that it helps fill space using a small amount of background tracks. NEVER is actual lip
synching involved.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Josh: Anything that appeals to the masses and has a capitalist agenda. It’s all about money not art. So whoever can create a dance while simultaneously telling you you’re not cool until you have expensive clothes, cars and women. That will be the next big thing
Kelly: Thad Ables, John LeCompt, Jack Larson, Josh Grissom
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
John: Foreigner or Judas Priest. It’s a toss-up.
Kelly: Tesla, without question. My story with Tesla is amazing.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
Kelly: When I was 16 my mom had a car I had to drive….the bad part, the license number was BJI 69. Not cool and NO they were not personalized.
Jack: Secrets?? I don’t really have any secrets. I scratched my head for a while with this one. I wish I had a good one. I can eat a tub of Nesquik powder in like 2 days. That’s 72 servings according to the tub.
It’s a real problem.
John: I can’t run fast or play basketball.
Thad: Downtown Abbey….
Josh: I love Justin Timberlake. He’s awesome. A truly talented individual.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Jack: Anyone who knows me hates the fact that I’m not much of a movie watcher. They’re some really good ones out there. I’ll go with The Fifth Element. It’s just a solid movie. Former badass who becomes a deadbeat. The supreme being falls in his lap and they save the universe together. Deebo is the President?? A lot of curveballs and orange hair.
Josh: Fight Club. Because every time I watch it I learn something new about myself.
Thad: Nightmare City (1980)!!! Kidding, kinda. Although it certainly belongs high up my list. I’m such an extreme film fanatic that makes this question impossible to answer. My tastes go all the way back to the silent era, with films from all over the world. Movies from Sergei Eisenstein, Jean Vigo, Akira Kurosawa, Andrei Tarkovsky, Jess Franco, Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Federico Fellini, Mario Bava, Tod Bowning, Fritz Lang, F.W. Murnau, the list goes on and on. I’m afraid this the best answer I can give on this subject.
John: The Shining. For many reasons, unknown to me, I really identify with Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrence.
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
Kelly: I took the liberty to answer this question. If you are a fan of rock and roll and want to HELP keep it going so your children and grandchildren can experience and enjoy, make a New Year Resolution for 2016
to:
1. Look up the active rock charts and LISTEN to 5 bands outside of the top 20.
2. Go see 2 of them and bring 2 friends at least once during the year
3. Purchase one thing from them
4. Share and push those bands to all your social media friends.
5. Do it every year and get 5 of your friends to do the same
This small request will keep it alive and allow us to create more ear candy than you can consume! Until then, download our EP “…And So It Begins” for FREE via the link below. Come see us in 2016 and purchase our full length CD during the first quarter of 2016 ONLY after you downloaded the EP for FREE and like it.
Those American Rebel Forces are your instructions
Regardless,
We love you!
Kelly
Categories: General Tags: Active Rock, Arkansas, Columbus, Hard Rock, Little Rock, MUEN Magazine, Ohio, rock, Shauna O'Donnell
KickActs interviews Christina of “Oblivious Signal”!
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Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
Oblivious Signal is a female fronted hard rock band from Deerfield Beach, FL. We can be found at www.ObliviousSignal.com
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
My musical influences range from Laura Pausini, to Carry Underwood, some old school Mariah Carey, Lacuna Coil. Anything female fronted that shows a women’s talents in the music industry. I love fun fearless talented females. I like all types of music, so it is difficult to stick to just one influence.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
The music business is like an investment in education in a way. You want to make it big, you have to invest. So work hard to make that investment so you can benefit from it. Also stick to your guns. Don’t let anyone try to dictate who you are and try to change you. 90% of well thought out ideas
with the correct marketing, push and dedication can actually gain you some traction in the industry. You just have to keep going regardless of the ups and downs. Networking is also VERY important. If you are afraid to pick up a phone and talk to someone, you may need to break out of that habit quick.
Nothing is more personal than picking up a phone and talking to an agent, an instrument company, a label or whoever one on one. Not via email which can easily be missed or deleted.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Even though you play for yourself as well, if you are making a career of this, you have to think about your market and who you are appealing to and give them what they want as well. I ignored that advice 6 years ago and it took me a while to realize I wasted years going against the current. Music is a business and you have to know your market, and how to be relatable.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Horror story…forgetting the most important cables for your backing tracks set 2 states over on tour and NOT having any replacements. After being so used to playing on a click track for so long, it was weird to have to go back to the days where we jammed by having to look at each other for the correct cues. haha.
Greatest gig story…ALL our gigs! We just wrapped up a great tour with Seasons After and FLAW so we had a lot of great times every single night meeting new fans all over the mid-east coast of the US.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Actually…I DO collect stamps!! I have since I was a kid. Coins as well. I was a member of the American Philatelic Association for a very long time.
CHECK OUT OBLIVIOUS SIGNAL’s ” NEW VIDEO!
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
The music scene is there, but after studying different genres I can see what the rock scene is missing, and that is the camaraderie that other genres have. You see all these artists collaborating with each other in the top 40 industry and helping bring up new comers. You don’t see too much of that in the rock work. It would be nice to have that mentorship approach that so many other genres have in their communities.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
I think those shows have helped discover people that have true talent. I actually auditioned for the The Voice many years ago. What I don’t agree with is having people that have already had their chance in the industry win the competition against those that never had the chance before. Those shows are not easy to compete in either. They are very stressful. You have to learn songs with a few days notice and get them and any choreography down asap. I am the worst at learning cover songs…I can’t even sing along
to the songs on the radio without making up my own lyrics. I can’t imagine doing all of that and having your life turned upside down in such fast nature. It takes a lot out of you, and I commend those that have the capability to deal with that type of high stress competition.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
I hate it. It is very expensive now a days to record music and get it out there and market it. It costs thousands of dollars to do. The fact that someone can’t even spare .99 to download a song and has to steal drives me crazy. It takes a lot of years of investment in time, rehearsals, studio recording etc. to make music. Not many people realize that songs just don’t get created within seconds out of thin air for free.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Nick our guitarist is a hard core sports fan. We actually have to coordinate our rehearsal schedules around his game schedules. Jason is our mechanic for our trips. Greg and I have Masters Degrees in Business and
Finance fields.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
I think Gilligans Island was before any of our times in the band…we are 80’s babies. But now you have given us something to watch on the tour bus.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
That I do know what it is. I have never purchased one though as I do not own a record player.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
As talented as Justin Bieber actually is, because he can play all sorts of instruments I think he would drive me nuts. Whether his past few years have been all about publicity stunts or teen angst, I don’t do well with childish drama.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
Talented and I heard she can be a sweet heart too. I think maybe some of the stuff she does is over top, but to each their own.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Click to purchase Oblivious Signal’s latest album!
It depends. I actually like Britney Spears and understand that all that choreography and singing at the same time can be difficult hence the lip synching. I do NOT agree with it in rock music though. I recently saw two rock bands that I really liked and the singers were lip synching. It actually through me aback because Rock is supposed to be so raw, and these specific two bands over processed it to a point where I could have just turned on the radio and listened to studio recordings. So the answer to the question is depends on what you are trying to accomplish and do in terms of entertaining.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Oblivious Signal haha!
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
Lifehouse! My ultimate de-stress band. I listen to them after shows to clam my adrenaline rush.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
I’m a vegetarian. While the guys are grilling dogs on the road, I’m grilling veggie dogs.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
The Craft! Always been a favorite of mine. It would be nice to use witchy powers to do whatever I want when I want. Changing my hair color with one motion would be awesome!
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
We appreciate all our fans over the past 8 years and are very excited where things will take us! Please keep updated on our website and social media networks. We love to interact with everyone! It’s really us responding. Our new CD Exordium also just dropped and can be purchased across music retailers. Please request our single “Crash” on your local rock stations too!
For more awesome KickActs interviews go here!
Categories: General Tags: best buy, female rockers, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, Hard Rock, muenmagazine, new release
BandMaid…This band freakin’ ROcks!
Japan has the market cornered on strange fetish’s and other things. Just do a quick Google search and see for yourself. But don’t be fooled or turned off? by these girls dressed as pretty maids all in a row… They are thumping! Slick grooves and no cookie monster vocals! It sounds better than most of the new metal stuff that we hear over here in America.
KickActs interviews Jason Delismon of A.D.D!
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.*
https://www.facebook.com/Analog.Digital.Disorder
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
Just to name a Few A.D.D.’s influences are SevenDust,Heart and Everything in between. We love and appreciate all styles of music. Really think it helps us to be creative in our own writing process. My influences personally as a Drummer include Morgan Rose(Sevendust) Vinnie Paul (Pantera,Damage Plan,Hell Yeah) Charlie Benante(Anthrax) and John Bonham. I’m a Heavy hitter as Well as a Showman and they all influence and inspire me to play.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
Not to let any rough patches discourage you. It is a rough business but stay true to what you believe in and follow your Dream.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Wouldn’t say ignore, we may have taken a different approach in the past, but everyday you learn something new. It’s all a learning curve.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
In 2009 we shared the stage with Korn,Chevelle,and Halestorm for Rockstock in Iowa at a Sports Stadium, and the Crowd was absolutely intense and amazing.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
We all pretty much throughout the years have been super passionate and driven to trying to pursue our dream and passion for music.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
Definitely! All bands working together to create a buzz and promote each other. At the end of the day everyone is trying to reach the same goals to having a long term career so if we all work together to achieve their goals it will be a recipe for success.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
If anything definitely helped inspire all musicians and artists to want to take their talent to the next level.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
Unauthorized downloads definitely effect album sales. Support starving artists and purchase their music through the appropriate channels.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
We all act silly at times.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Yes I do but unfortunately don’t have any.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
Definitely avoid him.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
I think she is talented, I believe everyone has the right to express the way they want to dress and use their creative abilities in anyway they choose.
CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME A.D.D. SONG “I REGRET”!
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip syncing or real vocals?
Real Vocals Definitely!
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Not really sure hoping our band A.D.D. Definitely want to make some noise in 2015!
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
We can’t get enough of Sevendust because they are super tight and melodic.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
Not really a confession but I’m a Neat Freak.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Good Fellas because I enjoy mobster movies and this one has some comedy in
it.
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
Truly believe that we need to build back up some really great rock station in every city so that all the bands pushing their singles that are touring have a Great station to promote and help album sales as well as people discovering all the new bands coming out to help support the Music Scene and build it back up and strong.
Upcoming Show Dates:
Fri. Mar. 27th – Mojoes – Joliet, IL – HEADLINE CD Release show
Sat. Apr. 4th – Crazy Coyote – Burlington, IA
Sat. Apr. 11th – Freakster’s Roadhouse – HEADLINE – Pontiac, IL
Thu. April 16th – Nevin’s – HEADLINE – Plainfield, IL
Fri. Apr. 24th – On the Rox w/ Wayland – Jacksonville, IL
Thu. May 7th – Mojoes w/ Black Stone Cherry – Joliet, IL
Sun. May 10th – High Noon Saloon w/ Y&T – Madison, WI
Sat. June 5th – Metal Grill – Milwaukee, WI
Fri. July 17th – Rockfest – Cadott, WI
