The Telephone Guitar

Drivers,

As many of you already know I am always actively searching for new and different instruments to mess with and utilize in order to expand and shape my music and sound capabilities. In my years traveling and hunting I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see and play all sorts of different instruments both near and far but I had never seen anything like my latest acquisition from Rainy Day Instruments. While surfing the net hoping to find something to grab my attention I found myself coming across the site Etsy. Etsy is a social commerce website that is focused on handmade and/or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. After scrolling through numerous pages in the music section of the website I found what would later become my newest and most prized instrument. It was a Handmade Epiphone Telephone Acoustic/Electric Guitar and the only one in existence. 

The instrument itself is an Antique Playschool Phone (from the 1950s), which is securely attached to a new Epiphone Gibson Special neck. In addition, the instrument has a Piezo pick-up installed inside allowing the guitar to resonate through an amplifier. The "Telitar" as I've been affectionately calling her has an excellent sound and great playable action. The tone is slightly tinny but extremely warm and sounds very smooth acoustic and even better through an amplifier or PA. Rainy Day Instrument’s Marc Potter built the instrument. As per my request he was kind enough to also install strap buttons onto the instrument before shipping it. 

Aside from my "Telitar" being the only instrument of its kind in existence it is a priceless piece of art. Not only is the “Telitar” art that can be visually enjoyed and admired, it is a fully functional guitar with a unique and vintage look that makes it special. 

Many have understandably questioned whether or not the “Telitar” is in fact real. Doubt no longer. The "Telitar" is real and included here are pictures from the initial Etsy listing and a picture or myself with it as added proof. However, if that’s still not enough you’ll just have to make sure to come out and catch me on tour to see/hear it for yourself. Until next time…

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive

Mayday! Mayday! Records: Sixteen

Drivers,

In 2006 I formed Clocks Are Devils with friends from my previous band The Great God War. After vigorously practicing and writing quality songs we were collectively happy with we began recording our first release (Split with 8085). Not shortly after we began the recording processes I can into contact with Mayday! Mayday! Records. The Kentucky based non profit label run by a small group of friends focused on producing  good quality packaging for good bands. They have released albums and cassettes for bands including Bears, Demeanor, Leaving Songs, and Sohns. Mayday! Mayday! Records ended up putting out the split release Clocks was working on with 8085 and following our eventual breakup released the first ever Montgomery Drive cassette release The Elephant Never Forgets.

 After being pushed to the side for a while Mayday! Mayday! Records has begun revamping their logo and site while simultaneously planning to release new material in the next few months from Sixteen and Best Summer. For Sixteen, Mayday! Mayday! Records is in the middle of putting together packaging for the cassette version of "Now It's Gone". In addition to containing the recordings from their CDR release, the cassette will also feature an additional cover track.  To begin promoting, marketing, and creating an initial buzz for the release Mayday! Mayday! Records released a video teaser on YouTube (check it out below).


The video was done by Matt Barnes (of Mayday! Mayday! Records) and in the credits it notes that the release will be coming out on cassette via Mayday! Mayday! Records. Utilizing social media and web 2.0 Mayday! Mayday! Records and Sixteen are promoting for the release and building awareness of the cassette version and the distribution channels in which this excellent release will be available for purchase. In using this efficient and cost effective marketing the label and bands have been generating lots of attention. These DIY (do it yourself) ethics only strengthen the brands involved and the actual power behind the release. 

In terms of the genre and networks the release is aimed at, this tactic is one of the best and overall effective means of doing this. The limited run being made will certainly sell out and become one of the gems for tape traders, collectors, and cassette lovers everywhere. Following its release and what happens, perhaps Mayday! Mayday! Records will do another run of the long awaited cassette sooner than later provided all goes according to plan. For those not aware, Sixteen are a  two piece that started in the summer of 2009. According to their Bandcamp page they currently reside in Bowling Green Kentucky, wallowing in the murky depths of depression and self pity. They have an excellent blend of sounds that's definitely worth checking out and has become very popular over the last few years with bands like 1994!, Grown Ups, and Algernon Cadwallader.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive

Ipecac Recordings & Fontana Distribution

Drivers,

Ipeac Recordings is an independent label based in California. Founded in April of 1999 by Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Peeping Tom,  Fantômas, and Mondo Cane) and Greg Wreckman (Mike Patton's manager). The label was initially created to release the first Fantômas album after shopping the release to some bigger labels and being unhappy with the offers. Currently the label releases and distributes other artists as well as Mike Patton's plethora or musical projects and collaborations. One of the most interesting things about Ipecac Recordings is their policy of signing bands to only one-album contracts. Wreckman was quoted as saying, "when starting our label we decided that it did not feel right to "own" the artists on our label. Instead we would rent or license records from artists that we liked". With this philosophy Ipecac Recordings has found them in a unique position of being able to release the music they enjoy and create on their own terms which leave both the artists and label both happy.

In August of 2006 Ipecac Recordings signed an exclusive distribution deal with Fontana. Fontana is the independent distribution sector of UMG (Universal Music Group - the world's leading music company). Fontana provides unparalleled sales and marketing support as well as back office services. They distribute for over 60 labels in addition to distributing certain projects from UMG labels worldwide. Due to this agreement Fontana will work directly and closely with Ipecac Recordings on expanding the label's reach in the marketplace, building and extending its brand and helping them to capitalize on the many new and emerging opportunities across all retail and new media platforms and formats. Since the agreement Ipecac has released multiple releases that have found success and support from fans and critics alike. Mike Patton's project Peeping Tom's first single "Mojo" debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart in addition to becoming one of the most added songs eat Modern Rock radio. Furthermore, Mike Patton's "Mondo Cane" debuted as #2 on the Billboard Classical charts and #7 on the Top New Artist Album (Heatseekers) chart. With releases ranging from the heaviness of Fantômas to the smooth stylings of Peeping Tom to the classical sounds of Mondo Cane Ipecac Recordings is quickly become a force to be reckoned with. Now with this deal with Fontana the end seems nowhere in sight for the very unique label founded by Patton and Wreckman.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive

Chris Lord-Alge

Drivers,

Earlier this month I had the privilege and pleasure of attending a Q&A Session with the one and only Chris Lord-Alge. As one of the most in-demand mixers in the music industry since the 1980s, his discography is simply astonishing. Working with names ranging from James Brown to Green Day, Chris Lord-Alge is known for his extreme use of dynamic range compression. In his time working in the industry he has accumulated well over 750 credits including The Rolling Stones' "Too Much Blood", Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA", and The Smashing Pumpkins "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope" album. All in all the session was extremely informative touching on multiple aspects of Mr. Lord-Alge's career from his work at Unique Recording Studios in New York City all the way up to his position now at his studio in Miami Beach, FL.

The mixing work of Chris Lord-Alge has been so influential that in early 2010, Waves Audio released the Chris Lord-Alge Artist Signature Collection of audio plug-ins, a collection of 6 application-specific audio plug-ins for Bass, Drums, Effects, Vocals, Guitars, and Unplugged. The session was very interesting and insightful. For those of you who think you haven't heard any of Chris Lord-Alge's work, your most likely just unaware you were listening to his work or you've been living under a rock the last 35 years. It takes merely a glance at his discography to realize the amount of masterpieces Chris Lord-Alge has been a part of. It was awesome to take part in and attend the session and I strongly recommend any of you reading to take the initiative consciously check out his work.

-Marshal
 Montgomery Drive

Crybaby

Drivers,

For this post I've decided to write about my instrumental EP "Crybaby" which was released in 2010. After spending years writing, recording, and releasing songs with both musical and lyrical content, I felt compelled to put out a release that contained completely instrumental multilayered tracks with more of an ambient and soothing feel. Initially I chose to release the "Crybaby" EP on my own. I personally undertook every aspect of the release from the art direction to the actual design and construction of the package itself. For the simple fact that this was a special and very unique release for Montgomery Drive, a key aspect in the failure/success of the release was the product management. For this reason alone, I felt it was extremely important to differentiate the packaging from my previous releases to reflect how unique "Crybaby" was in relation to my other releases. In addition to the packaging, I also chose to make the physical packages of "Crybaby" in limited quantities to allow the release to be all the more special due to its rarity. 

At that point in time the packages I had been doing myself were all CDs however with the help of BEAR Records / BEAR Distro I was able to also release limited quantities of  "Crybaby" on Cassette. In terms of the CD packaging,  I hand painted cds, individually hand numbered the packages, hand cut and printed inserts, and physically put each package together myself. As far as the management of the product, because this release was so near and dear to my heart I personally wanted to put the same love and care into the package as I had into the actually writing and recording process. The end result is something that to this day I find myself being very pleased with. From time to time I even hear from people who discovered the CD somewhere or ordered the tape through BEAR Records / BEAR Distro and it always puts an extra big smile on my face. Moreover, whenever someone refers the the CD, the fact that I personally undertook all the aspects in putting it together it is very flattering. At this time I only have a couple left in my possession (CDs and Cassettes), and I know BEAR Records / BEAR Distro has limited quantities left as well. While on tour in Japan I left a bunch copies with my friend Hiroyuki (from S-Explode) to have in stock with his distro and recently heard Rok Lok Records from Long Island, NY are now carrying a few of the cassettes. That's all for this post, feel free to stream and/or download "Crybaby" for free on my bandcamp page.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive

Mike Young Interview

Drivers,

This week I had the opportunity to speak with the one and only Mike Young, CEO and Founder of Unfair Roots and After Sweet Kiss. With years of countless experience within the music industry in avenues including event booking and coordinating, promotions, touring, and distribution; Mike Young has built a reputation and resume that reflects his passion and dedication to the entertainment and music industry.

After we began discussing his impressive resume he was very quick to explain the importance of mutual benefits in terms of the actual negotiation and deal making process. Whether he is working with bands or the venues associated with an event he works in order to find and/or create a situation in which all those involved benefit as opposed to just one person or establishment. Through years of cutting his teeth in bands like Tunes For Bears To Dance To and Osceola, Mike Young cemented his status and reputation as a highly motivated, driven powerhouse in the diy scene and the punk rock community. By taking the initiative to do things himself and finding ways to navigate through various situations to he continues to make deals and negotiate terms that are beneficial to all the parties involved. This mentality and track record have given Mike Young leverage and power in multiple situations allowing him to utilize BATNA’s to negotiate the best terms for all of those involved. 

Due to this attitude towards negotiating and deal making Mike Young not only finds himself appreciated but also in a role that allows him to affiliate with whomever he chooses. With these options Mike Young has been able to steer clear of dealing with dirty tricks and/or dirty tactics from others. Although there are those who will always utilize these types of ticks and tactics, Mike Young is not one of them. Currently, Mike Young is preparing to embark on another tour of Japan which he successfully negotiated for his band (Unfair Roots) and their good friends Tideland.

-Marshal

 Montgomery Drive

The Casket Lottery

Drivers,

From the moment I first heard The Casket Lottery I have always been inspired and greatly influenced by their eclectic sounds and excellent recordings. The music produced by the three-piece based out of Kansas City, Missouri always seemed to resonate deep within me. Unfortunately in mid-2006 I was crushed to hear they had decided to go on hiatus. The members went on to perform in different groups for the next few years until 2010 when they re-united to perform as special guests at a show in their hometown featuring Coalesce. Than in early 2011, the three piece yet again reformed to play select shows with the recently re-united Small Brown Bike.

Late August 2011 I was elated to hear The Casket Lottery had announced they would be entering the studio to begin working on a new album. The Casket Lottery's last release was the Smoke and Mirrors EP which was released in 2004 and their last full-length release was 2002's Survival Is for Cowards. Keeping in mind that most of the band's material had in the past been released through Second Nature Recordings it was expected the band would announce the yet untitled new album would also be released through them.  

In January of 2012 The Casket Lottery announced through their Facebook page that they had signed to No Sleep Records. It was also reported that the new album would be the band's first release as a quintet. The Casket Lottery have been recording at Black Lodge Recordings with Ed Rose in Eudora, Kansas and have promised a darker album than anything they've previously released.

No Sleep Records also announced they will be releasing a new 7" -EP from the band as well as a new solo 7" from The Casket Lottery's frontman Nathan Ellis this Spring. Needless to say, I am extremely excited to hear all the new material and hear how the addition of the fourth member will add to The Casket Lottery's already wide-ranging sound. If you haven't already heard this jaw-dropping group I urge you to take the time to check them out, you won't regret it.

-Marshal
 Montgomery Drive