For Jim Madonna having faith in God, and a love for music is simply a part of his life. But it was his passion for music and the close friendship of his cousin James Fricano that brought his life to where it is today.
Fricano was a musician, and played bass guitar but worked in construction on the side, and it was then that he brought Jim on board as a tile setter. They were together so much that when James Fricano went into the studio as a bass player on the .38 Special Album titled song “Wild Eyed Southern Boys” and the Dakota Album “Runaway”; the sparks really ignited his passion for music to a whole new level.
Madonna went on the road with his cousin as a stage hand to help out with many of the concerts they performed while Fricano played in the band “The Force”. The band on one occasion shared the stage while playing in New York with Benny Mardones in ‘1980’.
Eventually their journey ended through no fault of their own. But they never lost touch with one another. The ‘Good ole Days’ was always a good part of their conversations!
Then the day came that changed everything in Jim Madonna’s life with an unexpected turn. A call from Fricano’s family came with the tragic news that his cousin James had died. He was beyond devastated.
Fricano was more than cousin; He was his best friend. They shared so much more than friendship together in so many aspects of their lives.
A few years later, God started showing Jim that he wanted to use the desires in his heart, and his passion for music in a mighty way… But he had to let go of the hurt he had deep within him from the loss of his cousin.
In letting go of this hurt…It restored his Faith!
God began showing up in ways that made it clear that He had a plan for him, and where Jim needed to be… and that was his passion for music!
Getting involved on Facebook was the stepping stone that began opening opportunities in the music industry through genres of music.
His original intention was to provide interviews from Indie to Mainstream in the “Rock” genre only. But realized how many of the artists he was communicating with were not only heavily impacted by so many changes in the industry and the economy, lacked the funding to promote themselves… that it might be time to step out of his comfort zone and explore all genres of music.. which is now where he is today.
In Loving memory of James Fricano “Champagne Jimmy” (RIP)
SEASONS OF ME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2010 BY MEMBERS CAMRON SCISM (VOCALS/GUITAR) AND NIC MCWILLIAMS (BASS). WITH A PASSION FOR EXPLAINING TRUE LIFE EXPERIENCES THROUGH MUSIC, THEY SET OUT ON AN ENDEAVOR TO FIND LIKE MINDED MUSICIANS. AFTER SEVERAL PERSONNEL CHANGES, THE CURRENT LINE UP IS ROCK SOLID WHICH NOW INCLUDES GREG BARRETT (DRUMS) AND DANA COX (GUITAR). THE ONCE DREAM HAS BECOME A REALITY. “WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR GRASS ROOTS DIY APPROACH TO ROCK MUSIC. WE EARN THE RESPECT OF OUR PEERS AND THE HEARTS OF OUR SUPPORTERS ONE SHOW AND ONE FAN AT A TIME.”
SEASONS RELEASED THEIR FIRST E.P. TRANSFORMATION IN 2012 WITH THE HELP OF PRODUCER AND ENGINEER TROY WHITSON. PERFORMING WITH SUCH ACTS AS POP EVIL, NEW MEDICINE, EYE EMPIRE, 10 YEARS, SUPER BOB, HURT, TAPROOT, AND ZACH MYERS (GUITARIST OF SHINEDOWN) HAS ONLY FURTHER INSTILLED THE DRIVE THAT THEY HAVE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC. HARD WORKING, INVENTIVE, AND DETERMINED ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TERMS THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE SEASONS OF ME. “WE WORK HARD EVERYDAY FOR THIS, BUT NONE OF IT MATTERS WITHOUT OUR FANS, THIS IS WHY WE STRIVE TO MEET EACH AND EVERY ONE WE CAN AT EVERY SHOW.”
From the sonic frontier of Western Canada, a new band has emerged that is surprising many with a fresh new style and sound. The band is called KILLINGER and its genesis came about when Dave Williams and Kevin Morin (lead vocalist and guitarist respectively) decided to team up to write intensively for an original project in 2008. Previously, Dave was lead vocalist for the tribute band, Rattpoison, while Kevin played guitar with Bonafide and Face First. Between them, they had supported numerous bands including BuckCherry, Jackyl, State of Shock, Econoline Crush and Vince Neil. “We talked about combining our skills to create a concept” states Kevin.
The concept was structured around key elements of†metal music that would emphasize melody and powerful delivery. Unlike many new hard rock acts, the project was to feature technical expertise in the musicianship while being accessible. The band was looking for a big sound and “I wanted it to be the biggest I’ve ever witnessed” says Dave. “The writing process for the album came together very naturally and easily.” “It came together so quickly that we needed a producer immediately” says Kevin. Rick Plester, who is with Black Symphony and has worked with guitar legends Michael Schenker and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), recorded and produced the debut album.Rick also appears as a guest guitar soloist. He helped get George Lynch as a guest artist and called on powerhouse drummer, Pete Holmes, to play all drums on the debut disk.
Pete was a perfect fit for the sound of the band as he had extensive experience with hard rock group Black ‘n Blue as well as with Malice, Monster, Ian Gillan, Ted Nugent, Black Symphony and the Michael Schenker Group. R.J. Killinger plays bass on the debut recording but was unable to tour so Justin Craig was recruited as bassist, Bill Bourne, contributed background vocals to the self-titled KILLINGER album. The songs caught the attention of legendary mixer/engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith) and he has brought them to a new level with his talent. In addition, Vision Entertainment (Geoff McLean, Katharine Wilson) produced the video for the first single “Holding On” with director Marc Ricciardelli. The video marks the debut of new drummer Chris Challice who was brought on board since Pete was busy touring with the Michael Schenker Group. Chris had recently been playing with a Motley Crue tribute band based out of Calgary. His true Crue roots, live performance antics and admiration of Tommy Lee made him a natural for KILLINGER. The chemistry of this band is truly amazing.
The huge sound captured on the first KILLINGER album is a crucial part of the band’s live performance. Anyone who has seen the band perform will likely say it was “LOUD”. This is the way rock music should be heard. The unique look, persona, energy, special effects and on-stage antics are all parts of the KILLINGER live show which is the very best way to experience KILLINGER. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Back with a vengeance, Canadian heavy metal artist SNAKE EYES SEVEN has their eye on the prize. Four years since the release of 13 Crows, founding member, guitarist, and chief song writer Cole ‘The Madman’ Stevens is ready to roll the dice one more time. Currently in the studio recording the latest opus titled ‘Medicine Man’ with legendary producer and now full-time guitarist Cam MacLeod, the ‘Madman’ has recruited front-man Danny Deane who instills an impeccable vocal style delivers the music like no other before. The rhythm section is tightly nailed down by bassist Mike Cillis and drummer Erik Young both contributing a heavier core than ever before. ‘Medicine Man’ will prove to be the best slab of heavy metal created by the band to date and put them on the map for metal genres world-wide to take notice.
Over the years SNAKE EYES SEVEN has continued to evolve as a great band should, musically and professionally. The new SNAKE EYES SEVEN is a group of seasoned metal veterans. Cam MacLeod validates the band’s credibility and solidifies the band’s musicianship as a whole. Bassist Mike Cillis yields the ‘heaviness’ to catapult the songs forward. Yet it’s the driving force of drummer Erik Young that wraps the package neatly into monstrous metal sound. The Sabbath-esque qualities of SNAKE EYES SEVEN still remain evident but now vocalist Danny Deane has the pure talent to deliver strong and powerful vocals with warm melodies yet he retains that raspy growl as needed. SNAKE EYES SEVEN is the complete package that continues to churn out great music time and time again. It is time for fans to gather in masses and really discover SNAKE EYES SEVEN.
Chaz Bond – Lead Vocals James Riggs – Rhythm Guitar Luke Nealeigh – Lead Guitar Sam Nealeigh – Keyboard Dan Nealeigh – Bass Guitar Eli Closson – Drums
BioGenesis, a Hybrid Metal band located in Dayton, Ohio, was formed by vocalist Chaz Bond in 1996. After fronting several local Rock and Metal bands, Chaz had grown tired of being in bands that only called for use of one vocal style. This led him to form his own project, where he envisioned that he would be able to combine musical styles and genres that were often considered a contrast to one another. Having a strong belief in God, Chaz chose the name BioGenesis to represent his opinion on, and passion for the “creation vs. evolution” debate.
In 1998, Chaz and drummer Joe Jonker entered a local studio and recorded the “Tunnel Vision” demo, with Chaz performing the guitar and bass tracks in addition to the vocals. Shortly after recording the demo, Chaz’s long-time friend James Riggs became the band’s guitarist.
With several new songs written, BioGenesis re-entered the studio in 1999 to record another demo, with local bassist Ed Girard temporarily handling bass duties. This demo, which included the first versions of Bio classics “The Mark Bleeds Through” and “Digging Your Grave”, led to the band happily welcoming bassist Randy Walton as the newest official member.
In 2000, The band signed with Rowe Productions, an Australian label owned by Mortification front-man Steve Rowe. Before entering a studio to record their full-length debut album, the band asked long-time drummer Joe Jonker to step down, as the increasing technicality of their songs became too difficult to play smoothly. A short search provided the band with drummer Nevin Cline, who was brought into the band just in time to begin recording.
After completing the sessions for their debut album, the band was surprised to be informed by Rowe Productions that the album’s production was not up to their par, and that the band would need to start from scratch with a producer of the label’s choosing. With only a few days to record the album again, the band quickly re-entered the studio with the label’s producer.
As James was recording his guitar parts, he became dissatisfied with his sound, and decided to tune several steps lower than normal without consulting the rest of the band. This surprised Chaz, as he was now unexpectedly faced with recording the album in an unfamiliar key. Nevertheless, the label was satisfied with this new version of the album and it was released in 2001 as “The Mark Bleeds Through”.
“The music on The Mark Bleeds Through, I would describe as kind of a mid-paced thrash sound, almost a groove metal, post-thrash thing. Very plodding, doomy and heavy. There are some monster riffs going on here, which does get my head nodding along. The thing that sets the band apart, is the vocalist’s ability to go from a deep baritone symphonic style…to a thrash scream and growling when needed. This is definitely not cookiecutter metal here.”
After a US tour with label-mates Mortification, the band began writing for their second album. Unfortunately, things began to unravel for the band as lineup changes and label issues slowed their progress. Both Nevin and Randy stepped down from the band, and as several replacements came and went, Chaz and James elected to begin recording their second release, to be titled “Peace, Love, and Hypocrisy”, by themselves.
Enlisting Deliverance front-man Jimmy P. Brown as their producer, Chaz and James recorded the song “Fallback” in 2002, which was subsequently released on Roxx Records’ Metal Marti Gras compilation. The band requested a release from Rowe Productions, and signed a contract with Jimmy’s new label. This connection proved too good to be true as Jimmy soon moved to Nevada, and the band was unable to travel the distance to complete the recording of the new album. Chaz and James attempted several more lineups, even recording the song “Catalyst For Malice” in 2004 with Chaz’s brother Seth Bond producing. This attempt at completing the second album also proved ill-fated. Unfortunately, in 2005, a falling-out between Chaz and James led to Chaz deciding to end the band, leaving fans worldwide disappointed that there would be no sophomore release.
In 2009, Chaz decided to reform BioGenesis. Although he was busy with his other projects (he had replaced David Taylor as the lead vocalist in Power Metal band Jacobs Dream in 2003, as well as starting another band, Human Paradox in 2005), Chaz and James mended their friendship and began to seek out a way to finally record another album. They signed with RetroActive Records and began their search for a drummer and bassist.
Eventually, they enlisted both Nevin Cline and Randy Walton to rejoin the band for the reunion album. Adding Paul Witte as a second guitarist, they began recording with Jacobs Dream drummer Gary Holtzman producing. In 2010, the band decided to request a release from RetroActive Records after several unexpected delays, and quickly signed with the England-based Soundmass Records instead.
After several complications and delays, the band released the long-awaited “The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth” in 2012. Although fraught with production and performance issues, the fans were happy to finally hear the new songs they were promised several years prior.
“BioGenesis makes a seamless transition between The Mark Bleeds Through and The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth by continuing to focus on diversity. It starts with how the group takes a foundation of straightforward heavy metal and mixes it with strong doses of thrash, modern groove, progressive and Gothic metal. Yes, a wide array of styles, many of which make separate appearances within the same song, but it serves to support the BioGenesis strength of walking a fine line between the aggressive (with bone crushing heaviness and occasional extreme moments) and melodic (the material here is quite listenable – almost accessible – despite the angst). This turbulent but creative merging of contrasts play out on the nine original The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth compositions and two bonus tracks…”
Unfortunately, complications in James’ life led to him once again stepping down from the band following the release of the album. After Paul Witte also left the group, Chaz enlisted former Human Paradox guitarist Darin Moore, and keyboardist Evan English to fill the vacancies. This lineup began to play shows promoting the new album, gaining a large local following.
In 2013, Soundmass Records released “The Mark Bleeds Through: First Blood” which was the original recording of the band’s debut album that Rowe Productions had rejected. The album also included three tracks from the Tunnel Vision demo, as well as two tracks from the 1999 demo.
In 2014, after headlining two shows in Puerto Rico, the band entered a local studio to record what was intended to become their third album, to be titled “Devolved”. Unfortunately, the revolving door of musicians struck again, with Darin and Randy suddenly leaving the band. Darin also requested that none of the songs written while he was in the band be used, leaving the band to start from scratch. Chaz, Nevin, and Evan recruited a new lineup, including the return of James Riggs. This lineup, however, suffered from logistical problems and disbanded after a few rehearsals, once again leaving fans without a promised album.
Although Chaz had begun another very successful project (Letters to the Blind), fans continually demanded a BioGenesis reunion. In 2015, Chaz and James recruited local musicians Luke and Majennica Nealeigh to begin secretly writing for the band’s third album. Shortly after, Chaz invited Luke and Majennica’s younger brother Sam to play Keyboard, and their father Dan to play Bass.
On New Year’s Day 2016, BioGenesis announced it’s official comeback, releasing a re-recorded version of the song “Never” (originally from The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth), and announcing that the band had begun recording it’s third album, to be titled “A Decadence Divine”, with guitarist Luke Nealeigh producing. This news was released to overwhelmingly positive response.
A few months later, the band released a brand new track “Inside the Beast” on Facebook, and launched a private group page where members of the band could post videos of the making of the new album for it’s fanbase to watch. This led to BioGenesis signing a contract with Roxx Records in August of 2016.
BioGenesis’ third album “A Decadence Divine” was released in May of 2017 by Roxx Records to great applause, with many fans and critics alike calling it BioGenesis’ best effort to date!
In July of 2017, as the band began to discuss what to do different with a follow-up album, drummer Majennica Nealeigh unexpectedly announced that she would be moving to Athens, Ohio, where her boyfriend was attending college. After a few months of trying to make the 6 hour round-trip work around the band’s schedule, Majennica suggested that the band find a replacement drummer that could be more dedicated. While no one in the band was happy to see her leave, the group agreed that it would be easier for all involved to find a replacement.
The band began working with Eli in secret, while also writing new songs for the next album. The band played it’s first show with Eli at the beginning of December 2017. The newest lineup was extremely wellreceived by the old and new fans in attendance!
n January of 2018, the band officially announced Eli as it’s new drummer, and also announced that the band had begun work on an EP to be titled “Black Widow”. The EP will include a cover song from Deliverance’s album “Weapons of Our Warfare”, re-recordings of two old BioGenesis classics, as well as two brand new songs! This will be a warm up for the band before it begins recording it’s fourth official album, which has not yet been officially announced.
The band is extremely excited to release this EP to everybody, and could not be more pleased to be working with Roxx Records! The band would like to thank every fan new and old for continuing to support us after all these years; Bill and everyone at Roxx Productions for offering us this awesome chance to extend our ministry to places we never would have been able to take it on our own; and of course, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for reasons FAR too many to list!
Forming in the early 90’s, EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE is no stranger to the music scene. After quickly arriving on the Memphis rock scene, word spread about their energy-packed live performances gaining them the attention of Clive Davis (Arista Records). After signing with Arista, EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE became staples on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball with their music videos for “Walls Come Down”, “Love Can Make You Blind”, and “House of Pain”.
EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE received a great deal of national press and toured, promoting the first two albums, allowing them the chance to open for bands such as Cheap Trick and Dream Theater. They performed many headlining shows, drawing in large crowds and selling out venues. EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE has been featured in hundreds of hard rock magazines both nationally and internationally like Metal Edge, Screamer Magazine, Hit Parader, ION Music Magazine and many more as well as appearing on shows like the Joan Rivers’ talk show.
EVERY MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE is releasing their highly anticipated full-length album titled ‘Grind’. ‘Grind’ includes “Loco Crazy” which features a guest appearance by Zach Myers of Shinedown on guitar with a companion video. The project also features appearances by Jim Dandy (The Jim Dandy) guest vocals on ‘Stand Up’, and Wayne Swinny (Saliva) guitar on ‘Snake’.
MEMBERS
Jim Phipps – Drums Rick Ruhl – Vocals Troy Fleming – Bass John Guttery – Guitar Travis ‘Gunner’ Butler – Guitar
Bill was born and raised, isolated out in the California desert for 10 years. Upon arrival to the city, an eccentric quiet little boy, he immersed himself into music in the public school system. Eventually, he became versed in 60’s and 70’s popular rock, hard rock, and eventually heavy metal.
In 1980, Bill encountered Jesus Christ, for the first time ever. After 5 years of “boot camp” he decided to focus on playing Christian rock and metal. However, he has had a few brief stints with non Christian projects as well. A prolific recording technician, Bill has racked up a long list of groups, and music releases, spanning 5 decades.
Starting as a group of friends getting together to play music, Automatic Noise quickly gained popularity in the Chicago suburb clubs. Returning from a hiatus, the band has reunited to perform again.
“In the mid-90’s we tore up clubs, coffee houses, and bars with our array of covers from green day to rage against the machine. The all original cd released in 1995 brought a message of hope and encouragement from simple men who love God and want to be that light in a troubled world. 20 years later… we’ve grown up a lot- God has been faithful to us and our families…. so here we come, THE REUNION!!! Not pushing a religion, not to tell you how to live or not to live, but to simply share our desire to live, love and encourage those around us and to love God and rock and roll in places that the holier than thou would not even pass in the daylight…. and stronger than ever.
FICTION SYXX, is the brain child of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist, Mark Allen Lanoue. But like all ideas, including musical ones, it is not just about the writing; it is about the delivery. So, after writing the first song called “Welcome to my Nightmare” for this new musical journey, Mark started talking with friend and multi-talented musician/songwriter/producer, JK Northrup (KING KOBRA, XYZ) about starting a project that would be framed around a core of members.
Mark then talked to an old bandmate, drummer, Rory Faciane. Rory is a live and studio drummer that attended the Musicians Institute and now resided in Nashville TN. Rory immediately came on board with Mark and JK as the drummer. Then Mark began talking to Tony “The Fretless Monster” Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER). After Tony heard the first ideas for this project, he offered to play bass and added his amazing talents to the project. Finally, keyboardist extraordinaire, Eric Ragno (GRAHAM BONNET, JOE LYNN TURNER) was added to the lineup.
Now the band was complete and ready to deliver the album “TALL DARK SECRETS”!
FICTION SYXX mixes progressive hard rock with a nuance of melodic rock. The first release from this project was a way to bring a talented core of seasoned musicians together and to bring several guest artists and what came out of the effort is a solid 11 songs of progressive rock.
The name FICTION SYXX was created nearly 10 years ago. It is derived from the many mystical and mythical meanings behind the number 6 and sequences of that number such as “666” and “6666”. Since Mark was born on 6-6-66, the mystique about the number six became intriguing to him. In the 80’s, it also gained quite the bit of attention when being ID’d at convenience stores and bars.
FICTION SYXX is: Mark Allen Lanoue – Lead and Backing Vocal, Rhythm- Lead and Acoustic Guitar JK Northrup – Rhythm- Lead- Slide and Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocal Tony Franklin – Bass Rory Faciane – Drums and Percussion Eric Ragno – Keyboards
The Rewind is a Nebraska-based band formed in 2012 that blends a number of classic rock influences into a modern sound. They have had the honor of sharing the stage with such acts as Saving Abel, Black Oak Arkansas, Smile Empty Soul, Wayland, Preacher Stone, and Burn Halo. The band performed at the Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln Exposed, and Lincoln Calling, and is committed to providing every audience with an authentic rock experience at their live shows.
Their first EP was released in 2013 under the name Closed For Repairs, garnering positive reviews from Tom Petty, Peter Frampton, and members of Cheap Trick. Now signed with Tremula Records, The Rewind have released their debut album Casting Shadows, which is available on iTunes. The band members continually write new music to keep the set list fresh and diverse.
THERE’S ONLY ONE ALL-FEMALE HARD ROCK BAND FROM THE 80’S WHO:
• Sold over a million albums. • Had six #1 videos on MTV. • Had four songs in Billboard’s Top 100.
Vixen was founded in St Paul, MN by guitarist Jan Kuehnemund. Driven by rock star dreams, like so many before her, Kuehnemund packed up her group and headed for Hollywood. Kuehnemund soon re-tooled the lineup to include vocalist Janet Gardner, drummer, Roxy Petrucci, and bassist Share Pedersen (Ross).
Vixen quickly built their reputation playing the infamous Sunset Strip and signed a major label deal with EMI. Vixen’s first hit single, “Edge of a Broken Heart” penned by Richard Marx and Fee Waybill (The Tubes) blasted onto the Billboard charts fueled by heavy video rotation on MTV. Their self-titled freshmen LP garnered two more knee droppers with “Cryin'” and “Love made Me” both charting on the Billboard hot 100 top 40. It was the group’s live performances opening for the Scorpions, Ozzy and Bon Jovi that established Vixen as a premiere rock act to be taken seriously.
In 1990, “Rev it Up”, Vixen’s second LP produced the monster rocker “How Much Love”, scorching ballad, “Love is a Killer”‘ and the upbeat “Not a Minute Too Soon” cementing their reputation not only as formidable performers, but as hit songwriters. The group Vixen-ized their fans on worldwide tours with heavyweights Deep Purple and KISS, which fueled the international frenzy.
The undercurrents coming from the Seattle grunge scene helped strengthen the winds of change and underscored the decision to disband Vixen in 1992. Each band member independently dabbled in various projects until 1997 Gardner and Petrucci teamed up with guitarist Gina Stile releasing “Tangerine” under the Vixen moniker. In 2002 Kuehnemund once again regrouped Vixen with Jenna Sanz-Agero (vocals), Lynn Louise Lowrey (bass) and Kat Kraft (drums). This line-up then went on to tour and release “Live and Learn” and “Extended Versions” from a live performance in Sweden.
It was 2012 when Kuehnemund reached out to Gardner, Petrucci & Ross for their long awaited reunion. Sadly, only days before officially announcing the news, Kuehnemund was diagnosed with cancer and the reunion was put on hold. Jan Kuehnemund, the founding member and lead guitar player for Vixen tragically lost her battle with cancer and passed away October 10th of 2013. Jan touched many souls and will live on through her music.
Realizing that a band belongs to its fans, Gardner, Petrucci and Ross have called upon Stile to join them in continuing the Vixen tradition and honoring the fans.
