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Baker’s Dozen Movie Set – (Betting on Baker)

Posted on January 20, 2014 by venturarocks

(5/4/16: This just in….movie title officially changed to THE BET)
(3/5/14: Just announced, movie title officially changed to Betting on Baker)

Monday, January 20, 2014

Chris Jay and Aaron Goldberg of Army of Freshmen have started filming for the screenplay they wrote called Baker’s Dozen. The movie is being shot entirely in Ventura using some legendary wrestlers and calling on some of their best buds from local bands here in town. VenturaRocks.com got out to check out the action and got a number of great photos while filming was taking place at Camino Real park.

We caught up with Evan Sula-Goff of 8Stops7 who had kids in tow. He told us he was super excited that his left foot may have been included in one of the shots taken yesterday. He just smiled that famous smile of his and said, “I’m just glad to be able to help Chris.”

Yes we are.

See Polly Hoganson MusicMuse interview with Chris Jay.

Interview: Chris Jay – Baker’s Dozen Film

Posted on January 20, 2014 by venturarocks

THE FILM “BAKERS DOZEN” IS BEING SHOT ENTIRELY IN VENTURA WITH CAMEOS BY LEGENDARY WRESTLERS AND YES, THEY NEED A BUNCH OF LOCAL PEEPS AS EXTRAS.

During their down time local musicians Chris Jay and Aaron Goldberg (Army of Freshmen) decided to write a screenplay. As anybody in the biz can tell you this is not a small feat. This project has been a long time dream of the super energetic Chris Jay. We chatted about the low, low budget film and their decision to shoot it entirely in Ventura. They will film all over the city for the next 13 days but their immediate need is for extras on MLK day – 1/20/14 at Camino Real Park Ventura from 10am-5pm.

Polly: Tell me about this film project that you’re working on, how did it come about? It’s you and Aaron right?

Chris: It’s me and Aaron, we co-wrote it. Actually, we started to not tour as much when the music industry got a little funky. We began working on a little screenplay on our off time, here and there, just a little bit, for the past couple of years really. It’s a comedy. What happened is we got a producer who produced one of our old videos. We got in touch with him, turned him on to the project and he helped us put the script together to a presentable point. We made the decision we didn’t want to do what we do with music where you spend so much time begging people to listen to you and help you and sign you. And we knew that for first time screenwriters no one is going to read a script two musicians wrote.

Polly: Right

Chris: So we decided to fundraise on our own. We thought the film was funny, the concept was funny. For the past couple of months that’s what we’ve been doing raising money but we have also been working on pre-production we’ve actually been putting it together. Like you know I contacted you months ago asking to film a scene at Zoey’s long before we got any interest.

Polly: Yes, I remember.

Chris: We were hoping once we got the funding we could jump. We were basically in pre-production on a film that had no money and may not exist.

Polly: Haha, well did you finally get that producer on board and who is that?

Chris: Yes a gentleman by the name of Reza Rezai and you know he’s just a friend who did our video and also did some smaller indie films. So he knew really low budget. Even if we did raise some money it was going to be incredibly low budget.

Polly: So what is your budget?

Chris: I can’t really tell you our budget because we don’t have a finalized one yet. And frankly we are trying to continue to raise money but we did get more people on board and one or two investors who decided to back the project enough for us to get cookin’.

Polly: Nice, good for you.

Chris: We’ve been going absolutely nuts for the past two months basically putting the movie in to production. And we are happy to report we’ve been working, working, working. We kinda kept our months shut, because we didn’t want to seem like we were bragging and telling people we were doing it because these things can fall apart so easy especially when we had this many people, and money and stuff, we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves. So we put everything in place. We picked a date, got tons of people, we’ve been casting, working on the script, just literally doing a crash course on the film business. We started filming yesterday [1/18/14] and we are filming 13 days over the next 19 days all in the city of Ventura. Every single scene is going to be shot in a location in Ventura.

Polly: Wow!

Chris: So we have 13 more days on 6 days off on a 20 day schedule. We wanted to keep it homegrown. We wanted people to contribute and people have been amazing! We got all of our locations for free with the exception of the baseball field we had to rent from the city which is understandable because we had to shut down part of the park. But we got everything else for free. We have gotten every single meal donated for the whole shoot, just local restaurants helping us out.

Polly: That’s so cool.

Chris: It’s been wonderful! Our producer was hesitant to film in Ventura simply because it’s an hour outside of L.A. actors driving and all that kind of stuff, but he’s been thrilled and what we’ve found is that community feel, and all the bonuses, and the fact that people are excited! So say if we did go down to L.A. and we walked into the “Zoeys” of LA and asked to film for a day you know their fee is going to be $1000 bucks. Flat out. That’s how they make extra money. So many people are filming down there, film permit people are hard, it’s a nightmare. Here it’s been such a smooth ride. Especially since we are so ultra, ultra low budget just to be able to have people so on board and so helpful it’s been really, really cool.

Polly: That’s so great. So you started yesterday.

Chris: Yes, and it’s been more work than I’ve ever done in my entire life. Music videos are great but that’s one day. This is a like a music video times 2 weeks. We got enough people to be in the film but we are so low budget we couldn’t hire a production crew. We do wardrobe, we do location scouting, we supervise catering. Literally we weren’t prepared for that on set work so for the past 48 hours it’s just been this whirlwind of four hours of sleep. Getting there at 6am it’s great. The energy has been great but it’s been a whirlwind. We are going for it! Tomorrow is day 3.

Polly: Tell me about tomorrow and needing Extra’s at El Camino Park

Chris: It’s our big baseball day and we’re at the park we need a bunch of people hanging out, in the stands, kicking it, we just need to create that vibe.

Polly: What’s the basic storyline?

Chris: It’s a raunchy comedy in the vein of “40 Year Old Virgin” or “Super Bad” or “Old School”. The plot is a loser in life and love gets into a high stakes bet where he has to find and go out with the girl he had a crush on for every single year he went to school. So he’s got to go back and find 12 different girls, find out what they’re up to now and somehow convince them or trick them into getting with him. That’s the gist of it but there is an evil company owner that if he wins the bet he gets the company and he can give it back to his dad. This is not high brow. This is Adam Sandler stuff.

Polly: Haha, right. Is this a short film?

Chris: No, it’s a full length feature film.

Polly: Wow.

Chris: We are going for it a full length movie. That’s the insanity of it. If it were a short film we’d shoot for 3 or 4 days but we’ve got tons of characters and locations. We’re basically making a low budget movie by Hollywood standards on no budget. To be frank we are trying to make a million dollar movie on a tenth of that budget. People are telling us we’re insane, we can’t do it, you’re getting in way over your heads but that’s the only way we’ve ever don it, we don’t know any other way. So if we’re going to fail we might as well fail in a big way. We’ve got a bunch of extras in it, bunch of homies from the local music scene. If this comes out, when it comes out at least from a local stand point we’re going to rent a screen at Century 16 and invite everybody and say – we don’t know what the hell we made here but at least we’ll get a kick out of it. And you’ll see a bunch of people on the screen.

Polly: That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you guys.

Chris: It’s always been a dream of ours. It’s a weird thing. It’s either put up or shut up. It’s one thing to work on a screen play but it’s completely another thing to make it because the whole time you’re wondering man if this stinks I just spent a massive amount of my life working on this project. So it’s wild. And you put your faith in so many people. That’s what I’m learning too. You know me, and much like yourself we’re micro managers. We want to have our eyes on everything we do. But it’s hard to trust someone with your baby. That camera man he’s got your baby. That director, he’s got your baby. Those actors they have your baby. You may have a little bit of say but you’re not going to tell the camera guy who’s gone to school where to put the camera. You’ve got to roll with the flow. So in the last 48 hours I’ve learned to breath and if you’re not digging what you’re seeing you have to trust that they are doing it for a reason.

Polly: That’s so exciting for you guys. We’d love to be involved. How can we be involved?

Chris: Well thanks for spreading the word and encouraging people to come out. There’s going to be some really neat stuff. We have cameos from three legendary wrestlers. I know that sounds funny but I’ve always been a big wrestling fan. We ended up getting Jake “the snake” Roberts, Tommy Dreamer and Diamond Dallas Page. So if anybody comes tomorrow afternoon, if you’re a wrestling fan, these wrestlers will be hanging out, in Ventura, in Camino Real Park, and will be accessible for autographs and stuff. And I know this is super last minute. But that’s how film world is.

Polly: I know, you audition on a Friday and then you have to be on set at 7am Saturday.

Chris: Exactly. Thanks for everything, spread the word and if you can please swing by tomorrow it will be an experience!

Links:
www.facebook.com/armyoffreshmen
www.BakersDozenTheMovie.com

Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser

Posted on January 13, 2014 by venturarocks

Bombay Bar and Grill
Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ventura came together yet again to help. This time it was to help get Tommy Marsh and the band to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in a couple of weeks. The line up was phenomenal with Guy Martin, Mikey Mo, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jourique & the Uptown Brothers, 4 on the Floor, Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies. Plus Tommy’s two bands played. First Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog opened the show, and then the band of the hour, closed the show as Crooked Eye Tommy and fellow bandmates, brother Paddy Marsh, Jimmy Calire, Tony Cicero and Glade Rasmussen tore it up.

The fans showed up, danced, and bought raffle tickets. They also entered to win a Gibson SB Robot guitar which after all was said and done went to Lester Gray. Congratulations you bastard. I thought for sure one of my two tickets would be lucky!

We had a blast hanging with good friends and family. Loved how Ventura Singles Rock showed up to support. Several local musicians showed up to show the love. Kat from Totally Local VC and Sandy from the Tom and Sandy Show were on hand to make announcements. And though Kelly and Perry from Kelly’s Lot performed early, they stayed to the very end keeping it extremely lively. Kelly, you’re a hoot. Thanks for sporting the shirt babe! And the volunteers were all cheerful and enjoying the music. And again Diana Boydstun, your such an asset. Every time I’ve called to ask for your help on a fundraiser, you have never hesitated. So glad to see that you had a blast and just know, I’ll be calling on you again! And Seth Brandes, thanks so much for being there helping and taking such great photos!

Diego and the staff at Bombay’s are a class act. Armand John Lizzy and Chris Husted did a terrific job running sound on the two stages.

And Tommy couldn’t have been more humble. He sincerely deserves this show of support.

Now it’s MEMPHIS BABY!!! Good luck Crooked Eye Tommy, do Ventura proud and represent us well.

: Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog

: Kelly’s Lot

: Guy Martin

: Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies

: 50 Sticks of Dynamite

: Crooked Eye Tommy

: Tommy Marsh

: Volunteers, Diana, Stacy & Pam

: Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies

: Chris Jensen of 50 Sticks of Dynamite

: Guy Martin & Tony Trigueiro

: Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog with special guest

: Paddy Marsh & Jimmy Calire

: Paddy Marsh

: Michael John & Mikey Mo

: Paddy & Tommy Marsh with Michael John

Concert Review: Benefit for Jacob with Albert Lee

Posted on January 11, 2014 by venturarocks

Albert Lee and Friends Deliver in Jam for Jacob at Yolie’s
Benefit for Jacob was held at Yolies on Saturday, January 4, 2014
by Jon Garner

Blues musicians love to play, and when they can lend their efforts to a worthy charitable cause, most of them are all over it. Last Saturday January 4, some true heavyweights, led by the ageless guitarist Albert Lee, got together in the cool little music room at Yolie’s in Ventura to blow a little bit and help with Jacob Hacker’s considerable medical expenses due to recurring cancer. The event was a resounding success all the way around.

Spearheaded by Jacob’s parents Jan and Jerry McWorter (who was behind the drums during many of the proceedings) and Hi Hat Entertainment, the show netted more than $10,000 for Jacob and delivered a lineup of talent was comparable to any you’d see at Doheny or just about anyplace else. It was heartwarming to see all these musical friends cheerfully contribute in a powerful way.

I found out about the show at the last minute, and with the likes of Albert, Coco Montoya, Pete Anderson, and James Harman on the bill, I figured what the heck, I’m in. Little did I know that harp legends Mark Hummel, Rick Estrin and the great singer Curtis Salgado would also appear, the vibe would be fantastic, and the night would turn into a blues lover’s dream.

Had I known the music would be so good that I would write a story, I would have been more concerned with learning who the talented sidemen were than what brand of tequila was being served.

For my money, Mark Hummel, Pete Anderson and the peerless Albert Lee were the highlights. Fortunately, we arrived in time to hear most of Hummel’s set. I have one of his CDs, but I am embarrassed to say that I had never seen him live and didn’t fully realize just how talented he is. His last harp solo in particular was a thing of beauty.

Mark’s website is www.markhummel.com – I’m particularly interested in his collaboration with Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty. That’s gotta be one hell of a band!

Next up was Pete Anderson. In my opinion Dwight Yoakam could never have achieved the success he did without Anderson’s music direction and quirky, fun guitar playing. He offered ample proof that his style translates equally as well to blues as it does to country. He delivered a really enjoyable set. Check him out at www.peteanderson.com.

Speaking of a guitar style that is equally suited for blues as it is for country, there’s the matter of Albert Lee. During the course of his 50-year career, Albert has toured with the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmy Lou Harris and most recently with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and his own groups. He is a fixture and crowd favorite at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Simply put, Albert is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. His touring schedule would frighten a 20-year-old; check it out at www.albertlee.co.uk.

I was privileged to play with Albert a few times many years ago, and Saturday I found him to be just as gracious as ever. He took the bandstand following a strong set by Teresa James, who had a tight band and a very soulful voice. Albert’s band featured Donna Oxford, a talented pianist and singer who unfortunately found the volume knob a little too easily, and a very good second guitarist. Albert let them both have ample solo time.

Everything was relatively low-key until Albert cut loose with his signature Country Boy. He and the band proceeded to blow the doors off the place as he has with that song for nearly 40 years. Allowing for the quick changeovers and the large number of bands, Country Boy brought the only standing ovation and encore of the night – well deserved.

I wanted to stay for James Harman and Coco Montoya, but my friends and sanity prevailed and we headed for the barn shortly after Albert’s set. We were not alone. Harman’s first couple songs featured excellent piano solos by Fred Kaplan to send us on our way. It was a great night and a first-class event. I had so much fun I felt compelled to write my first music review in ten years.

For more information on the Benefit for Jacob, visit www.hihatentertainment.com.

Jon Garner has been a professional writer for 35 years and a Butterfield-inspired harpist since 1966. For more information on his band, the Costa Mesa Humor Kings, visit http://www.youtube.com/rodgarnay51.

Benefit for Jacob

Posted on January 11, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura’s music community came together at Yolie’s on Saturday, January 4, 2014, for what was known as the “Benefit for Jacob”. Jacob is the eldest son of Jan and Jerry McWorter of Hi-Hat Entertainment. Jacob has been battling cancer for 16 months, his fourth time in his 35 years.

The musicians who had signed up and donated their time to play were amazing, but there were even a few unexpected surprises for Jan and Jerry. First Sugaray Rayford of the Mannish Boys showed up and stated when he heard what was going on, he just had to be there. Then a short time after the event got underway, there was a sort of hushed excitement as it was soon learned that Curtis Salgado was in the room – the story goes that Salgado was the inspiration behind John Bulush’s creation of the Blues Brothers after they met while John was filing Animal House in Eugene, Oregon. Before long, Salgado was on stage, belting it out, with Albert Lee on keyboards.

The love and compassion in the room was truly inspiring. The music off the hook!

The next day, Jan wrote a beautifully written thank you to all those who contributed gifts for the raffle, to the volunteers and to all the artists. Here is her list of artists: Albert Lee, Coco Montoya,James Harman, Pete Anderson, Rick Estrin, Mark Hummel, Curtis Salgado, Johnny Main JR Lozano, Dennis Gurwell, Will MacGregor, Mike HIghtower, Tommy Harkenrider, Ed Berghoff, Jack Kennedy, Franck Goldwasser, Al Vafa, My girlfriend Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Terry Wilson, Billy Watts, Jim Christie, Lee Thornberg, Craig Thomas, Jeff Paris, Rene Beavers, Sugaray Rayford’s awesome surprise of coming & singing, Randy Chortkoff, Dona Oxford, Kelly & Perry – Thank you, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

Well over 300 people showed up and over $10,000 was raised.

It took some time preparing the photo gallery as Roy Dodson gave us over 600 pix to choose from! Thank you Roy, great job!!!

See Review by Jon Garner

Ventura Music Photos: January 2014

Posted on January 10, 2014 by venturarocks

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dan Grimm Band

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Jonathan McEuen

Bombay Bar and Grill – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog’s special guest, Donna Greene

Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rey Fresco

Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rubberneck Lions

Amigos’s Surf Cantina – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Damien Bujanda & Oly Larios (Players for Iron Butterfly)

Pierpont Inn – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Jon Gindick’s Harp Band Camp

Sans Souci – Friday, January 24, 2014
The Winchester Rebels

Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 23, 2014
Gypsy Blues Room
special guest the Jon Gindick Jam Camp Harp Line Up
Featured performers: RJ Mischo, Cheryl Arena, Brian Purdy, Hash Brown and Jon Gindick

Discovery Ventura – Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Day
Pam Baumgardner of Ventura Rocks with Jeremy Pemberton of Discovery

Peirano’s – Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Valencia and Friends

Ventura Harbor – Sunday, January 19, 2014
After the Smoke

Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Mandex

Squashed Grapes – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Flowers, Ottsen and Clark

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Mark Masson with Joanie Collins & Jacob Scesney

W20 at The Watermark – Thursday, January 16, 2014
New Music Showcase – Colbie Caillat

Bombay Bar and Grill – Sunday, January 12, 2014
Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser
Separate photo gallery: http://venturarocks.com/blog/crooked-eye-tommy-fundraiser/

Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 11, 2014
Army of Freshmen

The Tavern – Saturday, January 11, 2014
HEY YOU!

Bombay Bar and Grill – Friday, January 10, 2014
Warning!

Squashed Grapes – Friday, January 10, 2014
Two Trees Jazz Project

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Coda

Paradise Pantry – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Lee Koch with Jesse Olema

Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Derek Jennings

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Shaky Feelin’ (with Jacob Scesney sitting in)

Our Ventura – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Show taped at CAPS-TV

Yolie’s – Saturday, January 4, 2014
Benefit 4 Jacob – Headliner Albert Lee
Separate photo gallery: http://venturarocks.com/blog/benefit-for-jacob/

Bombay’s Bar and Grill – Friday, January 3, 2014
Dan Grimm and Band

W20 at the Watermark – Friday, January 3, 2014
Shawn Jones

Squashed Grapes – Thursday, January 2, 2014Benjamin Buttner Quintet featuring:
Guitar – Benjamin Buttner
Bass – Freddy Johnson
Keyboards – Kevin Stoller
Drums – Burleigh Drummond
Horns – & Jacob Scensney

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 1/8/14 – 1/21/14

Posted on January 7, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
All Hans on deck
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called Music for Mind Movies. While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician. He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, Life on the Edge, in exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time? He told me, “I got the band Tico Trio in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one in early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them. Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind. Music For Mind Movies.” You can buy the new EP at www.HansOttsen.Bandcamp.com

The Ventura County Concert Band (VCCB) is celebrating their 50^th season with their next performance scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Ventura High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. VCCB is a non-profit Community Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Julie Judd based here in Ventura. They perform for the community free of charge 4 times a year. Take the whole family for an incredible show.

And two shows to watch for at the Majestic Ventura Theater this month. If you like grooving to what they call “Sunshine Reggae,” you won’t want to miss Iration on Friday, January 24 and then Grammy award winning Country artist Dwight Yoakum will be kicking it up on Friday, January 31, as he continues to tour in support of his latest release, “3 Pears.” Contact Ventura Theater for ticket availability.

And don’t forget we’re helping to get Tommy Marsh to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Fundraiser is Sunday, January 12 at Bombay’s with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Mikey Mo, Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies, 4 on the Floor, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, and Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. All this amazing music for only $10 plus it helps get Crooked Eye Tommy to the competition. See you there!!!

Have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing? Send all information short or long: Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Album Review: Hans Ottsen

Posted on January 2, 2014 by venturarocks

Music for Mind Movies
By Pam Baumgardner

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called “Music for Mind Movies.” While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician. He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, “Life on the Edge,” In exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time? He told me, “I got Tico Trio (Randy Tico, Adam Clark n’ me) in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them. Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs, that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind. Music For Mind Movies.”

The first track, “111113 DMS,” remains my favorite, it starts so simply and builds to a beautiful crescendo. You can’t help but imagine how perfectly this would fit in any number of blockbuster movies on the big screen. “Zoey’s Lullably” is just flat out too cool for school and “Circus Animal Lullaby” just takes you subtly to another place. They’re all incredible tracks.

You could listen to Music for Mind Movies in the car driving up the coast, listen while working, listen with your headphones on (eyes closed), but just make the time and listen.

The EP was produced by Phil Salazar & Hans Ottsen. All All tunes were written by Hans Ottsen except Kornflakes (Hans Ottsen & Phil Salazar) and Ayefbe (Phil Salazar).

For now, “Music for Mind Movies” is only available on Bandcamp, where you can give it a test drive, but you’ll want to actually purchase it for a couple of reasons:
1. Have it at the ready for your listening pleasure
2. Support your local artist
3. It’s not okay to steal music
4. It’s only $7.

https://hansottsen.bandcamp.com/
www.HansOttsen.com
www.Facebook.com/Hans.Ottsen.7

Rebelution at Ventura Theater

Posted on December 31, 2013 by venturarocks

Caught the first of two Rebelution shows at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, December 30, 2013. These cats were freakin’ amazing. The show was sold out and the crowd danced and sang and just completely got into the groove that is Rebelution. Enjoy the photos we took:

: Rebelution

: Khris Royal

: Eric Rachmany

: Marley D. Williams

: Eric Rachmany

: Rory Carey

: Eric Rachmany

: Khris Royal

: Eric Rachmany

: Wesley Finley

: Marley D. Williams

: Eric Rachmany

: Wesley Finley

: Eric Rachmany

Click to see Polly Hoganson MusicMuse interview with Eric Rachmany

Eric Rachmany – Vocals / Guitar
Rory Carey – Keyboards
Marley D. Williams – Bass
Wesley Finley – Drums
Khris Royal – Sax

www.rebelutionmusic.com
http://www.venturatheater.net/

Interview: Eric Rachmany of Rebelution

Posted on December 30, 2013 by venturarocks

Rebelution – 2 shows, December 30 (sold out) and December 31 2013, New Year’s Eve, at the Majestic Ventura Theater.

Before sound check for their show tonight (Dec 30) at the Majestic Ventura Theater, I got to talk to Eric Rachmany, lead singer, for Rebelution. He waxed nostalgic about his time in the 805, his first show at the Ventura Theater and what the band’s philosophy is all about when it comes their music.

Just a sample:

Polly Hoganson: How you doing?

Eric Rachmany: I’m Great!

Polly: How’s the tour going so far?

Eric: It’s been great, we had a little bit of time off we’re recording our next album for the last couple of weeks and then we just played a couple shows in Santa Cruz. Then we have these Ventura shows and then we have a couple shows in Orange County. We start our big tour in February. That’s like our winter tour.

Polly: I saw your schedule, it’s pretty gnarly. It’s exciting you’re criss-crossing the country then you’re also making time to go to Thailand?

Eric: Right Yeah, we have a festival to play in Thailand on March 1st

Polly: Have you ever been?

Eric: I’ve been to visit but never to play.

Polly: That’s cool.

Eric: Yeah

Polly: I was on your website and you have the video “Skys the Limit” posted. I really like that song by the way.

Eric: Oh Cool

Polly: You have a great voice.

Eric: Thank you

Polly: It was directed by Marley (bass player) and it looks like you shot a lot in Isla Vista.

Eric: We did, we thought it was probably a good idea to go back to where we got started and just kind of feel the vibe of Isla Vista while we were filming the video.

Polly: Whenever you come back to the 805, is it nostalgic? Does it bring back memories for you guys?

Eric: Definitely, you know we spent a pretty substantial amount of time here both while we were in college and then actually after we all finished school we all stayed in the Santa Barbara area for a few years. Although we weren’t here a lot of the time we were touring this was still our home base and you know when we got dispersed to different parts of California now but Santa Barbara will always be our home.

Polly: Now when you got started in ’04, does that seem like a lifetime ago? Or does it seem like yesterday?

Eric: It feels like yesterday. It really does. Time has flown by it’s really hard to believe it’s almost 10 years ago. That’s actually mind blowing to think about. We’re just having so much fun with what we’re doing. We love performing we love playing and recording music and when you have fun doing time flies by that’s the truth, haha.

Polly: Haha! Well looking back through the years and where you’re at now is the journey what you thought it would be?

Eric: You know I think since I was a little kid I always thought the music I was apart of would be exposed to the world somehow. I didn’t really know what it would take to do it. So I feel like that has happened and I’m thrilled that I’m playing music for peoples. I can do this for a living. But I didn’t really know what it would feel like or the steps we would have to take to get our music out to people around the world you know? I think with Rebelution we played so many shows starting from Isla Vista, playing small clubs to festivals, outdoor venues and amphitheaters now I think we’ve done so many shows that we are confident in what we’re doing and although 10 years have gone by very fast it’s been a nice, slow progression for the band so I think in that regard we feel very comfortable in what we’re doing. It’s not like we’ve had this huge jump in success. You know we’re an independent band and we do everything our selves. We’re kind of rising slowly but surely. We’re really happy with that.

Polly: That goes to my next question in that you guys are pretty DIY. Is that the direction where you think the music business is going? Bands are pretty much going to do their own thing?

Eric: You know, I think the music that we play isn’t really typical for the music industry latch on to. That’s what I think a lot of the bands we’ve come up with both in the Santa Barbara area and around the country that play similar music to us, are all independent as well. I think the bands just like us we do it for the love of the music, we do it to spread a positive message, to bring happiness to both ourselves and to the crowd, to the people. We like staying independent there’s no pressure, we write music that we love and that’s what it’s all about. It’s not about making money for us it’s about you know staying positive and keeping a big smile on our faces as we get older. You only live once and we’re trying to live that way. Haha

Polly: Haha, there is that philosophy that if you do what you love and eventually you’ll reap the rewards. So it sounds like you’re time is at that point.

Eric: Yeah, and I understand it’s really hard to make a living out of this business and the music industry is really cut throat and that’s another reason to stay independent.

Polly: Right.

Eric: And It’s also I don’t need a reminder as to why I’m doing this. We get out there and we play the music that we love and it’s always been that way since day one. And while we’re happy doing what we’re doing there’s no reason to change our philosophy, change our sound, we do it because we love it.

Polly: I’ve always been fascinated by how a group of friends get together and form a band. How did it come about that you guys in college decided to hey one day, let’s make music.

Eric: Yep, I was always into music when I was a kid. I started on piano then moved to guitar. Once I got to Santa Barbara City College I took this songwriting class. I just fell in love with it. I don’t know. The first thing they make you do in class is play one of your own songs. I’d never done that before and I never thought of myself as a singer. I always thought of myself as a musician/guitar player and I got up and sang a song and I listened to everybody else and I was able to form some friends and felt really comfortable at it. And it was through that music dept at City College that I met our bass player Marley and we both shared a love for reggae music and we figured that out in a relatively short amount of time. Then he found our drummer Wes in another music class us three got together and then we met our keyboardist Rory along the way and then we were jamming a lot of classic reggae tunes like Sublime, this was the kind of music we all related to at the time.

Polly: Sure.

Eric: And then we played a show wow this is the most fun we’ve ever had and we just kept on doing it. Next thing you know we’re writing original music and I think it’s because of that one songwriting class that I gained that courage to you know sing, because I’d never really done that before.

Polly: Well you’ve got a great voice. I love your voice.

Eric: Thank you

Polly: Any tips for up and comers, that you know you would recommend?

Eric: Just what I was touching on earlier you just have to love what you’re doing and not think about the rewards, like you were saying if you love what you’re doing the rewards will come. It may not be like a monetary thing. It’s important to just play music for the love of playing music. You should never really forget that. It is I understand it’s very difficult to be a musician full time but yeah, but from my experience it is possible to be an independent band and to play music for a living.

Polly: Sure.

Eric: We worked really hard played multiple shows. I think it’s important to get out there and perform live. Nowadays it’s very difficult. The major record label would never go over with us basically what we do. We’ve always wanted to do it ourselves. It’s definitely possible.

Polly: When you listen to music, when you’re on the road, who’s on your iPod?

Eric: Haha good question. To tell you the truth I’ve been writing so much because we’re preparing for this next album so um I’m not really sure who I listen to. Obviously I’m a big fan of reggae music, once in a while I’ll check out what music is coming out of Jamaica and around the world. A lot of the times I’ll start listening to stuff I used to listen to whether it’s hip hop, rap, metal, punk rock, there’s folk music, oldies, I’m a big Beatles, I love everything.

Polly: The last record that you guys put out, “Peace of Mind”, what was the evolution of and the thought process of putting out a triple record? (A regular record, an acoustic version and a dub version). That’s pretty ambitious.

Eric: Yeah, I think it was our love for different types of music that we decided to do that. We always talked about doing an acoustic album but the idea stems from our good friend and manager Dean who said what if we released it all together? I thought it was a great idea and I love playing acoustic. It was relatively easy when we went in the studio we were just free with it and had the acoustic album in a few days. I think we’ll try and do something like that in the future.

Polly: Well it’s a great record and I appreciate the acoustic aspect of it. To see what it sounds like without all the bells and whistles.

Eric: Yeah, haha.

Polly: You guys did a really good job. I did see that you posted some pictures that you guys are in the studio now. Going to hear anything new and different? Or pretty much, you follow the same formula, but try and change it up here and there?

Eric: Yeah.

Polly: Going to be along the same lines? Or are you bringing in more cow bell? Haha.

Eric: Haha, yeah well it’s actually confidential information.

Polly: Haha!

Eric: It’s really hard to explain. PEACE OF MIND was probably our most creative album to date. It had a lot of different styles of music. This one I think is different but it’s similar than that it’s got a different style. I really can’t describe it. But I think everybody will be happy. There’s something for everyone I think is the best way to describe it.

Polly: That’s cool.

Eric: But I think it’s the most thrilled I’ve been about recording an album ever. I think that’s got to say something. But like I said earlier we love doing what we do. It feels good the way we recorded this. The vibe and the energy that went into it, I think people will be into it.

Polly: I’m sure they will. You never let your audiences down and that’s why you guys are so popular. You’ve got a sold out concert tonight (Monday, December 30, 2013 Ventura Theater). That’s exciting. Two nights at the Ventura Theater. You must be excited about that.

Eric: Definitely, yeah, a little funny story. The first time we played the Theater we shared an opening slot with Iration they kind of started in Isla Vista as well. Whichever band sold the most tickets was the one that would get direct support from the artist Yellowman (headliner) I ‘m pretty sure Yellowman didn’t bring anybody. The Theater relied on us and Iration to sell all the tickets. It’s funny just thinking about that and fast forwarding to right now and playing 2 nights at Ventura Theater and how we remember our first start there.

Polly: It must be a great feeling.

Eric: Yes, it is. It’s a legendary spot for us.

Polly: Eddy Numbskull is bringing you back to Ventura. You guys collaborate a lot? He’s a good friend. A great guy that puts on a quality show.

Eric: Definitely, we always had a pretty good relationship with Eddy. For a long time now, and he’s been promoting our shows for several years.

Polly: I see you’re super popular in Guam.

Eric: Oh Guam. Yeah.

Polly: It’s funny because my parents are from Guam.

Eric: Really?

Polly: Yeah, I wanted to know if you had any of the local cuisine while there. Haha.

Eric: We had a lot of amazing fish while I was there. I forget what other local stuff.

Polly: Red rice is big, BBQ Ribs…

Eric: Yeah, Guam, the first time we went to Guam one of our songs was a big hit. I think it was “Safe and Sound” and it’s still to this day probably one of the most amazing shows we ever played because we were a small band from Isla Vista and all of a sudden our music became this big hit on this island and we played a show for about 6000 people.

Polly: That’s awesome.

Eric: That was an amazing feeling definitely.

Polly: And they love to party and they love to dance.

Eric: For sure. We went to a small Chamorro village and it was spectacular going to this small village and seeing how people had been living for decades and the culture. It was amazing.

Polly: A lot of great musicians, bands started in the 805 some still make their home here like Ozomotli, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, all those guys came up through the 805. What is it about this part of California that makes it such a fertile ground for live music?

Eric: Yeah, I think the college town is big for us. Because there are a lot of people we played to. Isla Vista all jam packed in a small community. All the students were young and they were hungry for music. Typically it’s the younger crowd that comes out to see live music. They are searching for different types of music. A lot of people visit Santa Barbara. It’s a beautiful place. You have the coast, the ocean the mountains. You can see all sides. Santa Barbara is a perfect way to describe California. Santa Barbara and Ventura too is both warm and cold. I think that California in general is a melting pot. There are so many different kinds of people here. It’s also a spot that you get a lot of people from down south and up north coming to this area. It’s a place that makes people happy. You want to rejoice. You want to be surrounded by the arts, the music, dancing. In that regard it’s a great place for that.

Polly: Now both nights are all ages shows. Is it important for you to always get the music out to all ages?

Eric: Yeah, I like to it’s preferably to a 21 and up show. We think our music relates to all different kinds of people. It’s funny I have grandparents that listen to our music and little kids, like our cousins, 2, 3 and 4 years old that fuss when our music doesn’t come on in the car. Yeah, I think we’re trying to spread a positive message and there is a lot of negative music out there we hope we’re getting people on the right track.

Polly: I really love your music. It is feel good music and it is for the ages. Any New Year’s resolutions?

Eric: Haha, that’s a good question. I got asked that question last night. Just keep writing music. Just keep on being creative.

Polly: I sure appreciate your time. Have a great show tonight, Happy New Year. Travel safe, looking forward to hearing your new stuff in ’14.

Eric: Perfect, thanks so much Polly. Appreciate it. Talk to you soon.

(See photos that VenturaRocks.com took at the Monday night Rebelution show:
http://venturarocks.com/blog/rebelution-at-ventura-theater/)