Jason Christopher (Sebastian Bach, Black President)

     The first time I found out about or saw Jason play was when he was filling in for the rock group Stone Sour. I remember after the show meeting him outside the venue, what an incredibly not only gifted musician but a super great person. He has been one of my favorite bass players since and provided a really good sense of motivation for me to start playing again at the time. Jason has played with so many great musicians from Corey Taylor to Sebastian Bach. He is the real deal and somebody that should be a household name. Thanks to Jason for agreeing to the interview and thanks to everyone who is checking this interview out as well.

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---What made you realize that being a musician is what you wanted to do? What are some of your first musical memories?

     Jason Christopher (JC)---I was a senior in high school (continuation school) and the music teacher brought in a bunch of little keyboards for us all to play. He played some rock song and asked us if we could just chime in or whatever, and I picked it up right away. He asked me if I played an instrument, and when I said no, he said I should... that was basically it. First musical memories are, finding my stepdads Black Sabbath records, and being kinda bummed when my Mom got my the John Cougar "American Dream" album for my birthday...

     (PH)---Could you tell me about your time playing with "Black President"? What did you learn from that experience?

     (JC)---BlackPresident was an amazing band and a great experience. We started out as a cover band called "Shithead", and would play old punk rock covers to all of our friends in Hollywood. Charlie wrote a bunch of really amazing originals, and that is how it started. It was short lived, and I sometimes miss it, but it was a great experience and I'm grateful it happened.

     (PH)---I remember meeting you briefly after one of your first shows you did with Stone Sour in Springfield MO. You killed it live at that gig. What was it like for you joining Stone Sour as the live bass player in the middle of a tour?

     (JC)---Joining Stone Sour was one of the biggest panic attacks I ever had... only for the sole reason that, I had never been in a band that massive before, and I had to learn their entire set on a plane ride to Lubbock, Texas in 3 hours. I had just joined The Dickies, and was planning to do a european tour with them right after I was done building the main stage at Coachella... Corey called me, told me he needed me on a plane, and the next day, I was playing on the same size stages I was building. It was a fucking trip man...

     (PH)---Corey Taylor is honestly one of the best vocalist on the planet in my opinion. What is it like working with someone that has that kind of vocal ability?

     (JC)---I don't consider playing with Corey work, ever. We've been best friend/ brothers separated at birth going on 12 or 13 years now... I've never really looked at him as my boss, or one of the biggest singers in hard rock/heavy metal of our generation... He's just my brother. Our personalities are very similar, and it comes out when we play together as well. Our acoustic shows are really funny because that's basically how we met. You can yell out any song, and one or both of us will know how to get through at least half, if not all of it...

     (PH)---How did the Sabastian Bach gig come about? What are some of your personal highlights that you experienced playing with him?

     (JC)---I've known Baz about as long as I've known Corey. After the SS gig ended, I was looking for work, saw some of his management who I'm also friends with at a diner, told them I was looking for a gig if they knew of any, and I got a text about Baz the next day... so I texted him, and got the gig on the spot. Haha... I didn't even have to try out or rehearse, I just flew into North Carolina the day of the gig, and went to work... (learned 5 songs in the wrong key and had to relearn them at soundcheck... that was fun!!). My experience with Baz is that, It's always an experience....

     (PH)---Who is your biggest bass influence and who is your biggest guitar influence?

     (JC)---Cliff Burton. Hands down. I've always respected the rhythm hands of James Hetfield, and Scott Ian. 

     (PH)---I just watched the footage of you, Corey Taylor, Roy Mayorga, Scott Ian, and Christian Martucci playing "Rainbow in the Dark" at the Dio tribute. You guys did a great job. How much fun was that show for you?

     (JC)---How much fun would that gig be for anyone!? hanging with Ripper, Duff, Scott, Roy, Christian, Corey, Rob Halford, Rudy Sarzo, Halestorm, and god knows who else... I just kinda stop on the stage at those kind of things, look around and think, "how the fuck did I end up here...."

     (PH)---How did you get involved with SFG12?

     (JC)---The guys that started SFG12 are my homeys for a long time... I really respect what they are doing, coming from that lifestyle myself. I probably would be dead if it wasn't for people willing to help like that...

     (PH)---So final question for the gear nerd in me. What is your favorite live bass rig and guitar rig?

     (JC)---I play through Ampeg classics... that's really all I've ever known. I see dudes with all these rack thingy's with pretty lights and heavy tones, 17 string basses and whatnot... I've always just a plug in and play kinda guy. So Ampeg has always just been the fuck you of bass amps to me.

     (PH)---Thank you so much honestly Jason

Marzi Montazeri (Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Heavy As Texas)

     Marzi Montazeri is a super gifted guitar player and has played in many great band's over the years. He is a guitar player that as soon as I heard him play, I was completely blown away. Marzi is currently playing guitar for legendary metal front man Phil Anselmo and still remains active in his band "Heavy As Texas". Thank you so much Marzi for taking time to do this interview for me.

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---Marzi you are an incredibly gifted guitar player. What made you realize music was all you wanted to do?

     Marzi Montazeri (MM)---Man I fell in love with Music at a very early age and have known that it was my calling by the time I was 5. I loved what I heard and was waiting to get an opportunity to have a part in it by bringing what I heard in my head to life.

     (PH)---A lot of people don't know this but you recorded the guitar on the demo's for Superjoint Ritual. What was that time in your life like?

     (MM)---And couple of those songs made the first records last two tracks. Well it was fun while it lasted so to speak and I learned from it.

     (PH)---How did playing with Phil Anselmo and the Illegals come about? What are you favorite parts of being in a band with such a great front man?

     (MM)---I contacted Phil in Spring of 2010 and we got going. He recruited Blue to record and I brought in Stephen Taylor to tour. Playing with the greatest metal frontman is awesome.Live It gives you confidence knowing that he is being himself and giving it his all which is all we know how to do as well. At practice the jokes don't stop and in the studio the creativity takes flight by earning wings feather by feather. There's a vibe on that stage that's unmistakable. Same goes for practice and the recording sessions and let's not forget the all important BBQ's. Above all that he is my friend and it's cool to see us work together.

    

     (PH)---What other musical endeavors are you currently involved with?

     (MM)---I have a Southern band based out of Houston called Heavy As Texas which will be recording and touring soon and I'll be doing a solo record in time with some awesome friends on it.

     (PH)---Just for the guitar geek in me. What is your current live rig for Phil Anselmo and the Illegals?

     (MM)---Dual Randall Thrasher rig with 8 Randall cabs.Firebird goes directly in the amp. Only pedal out front is my Wah. In the loop I have a digital delay. Pretty simple.

     (PH)---What is in store for you in 2014?

     (MM)---Looking forward to sitting across from Phil and exchanging ideas. Breaking new ground by sticking to the ol rule of self expression which is be yourself and pay homage instead of copy. A solo record and Tours both with PHA and The Illegals and also Heavy As Texas. Randall amplifiers and I will start working on a signature amp and also Washburn guitars will put out the signature guitar line equipped with signature pickups from Seymour Duncan which is all top secret stuff right now but there's a glimpse for ya. I can't wait to bring more music to life both on record and live and finally to meet the fans in celebration of life and music by touring.

Veradun Eleena (The Veradun & Eleena, Nine Day Queen)

     My buddy Veradun Eleena just put out an incredible  solo record under the name "The Veradun & Eleena). The album is incredible and honestly a gem if you are looking for some amazing new music. He was awesome enough to do a short interview about his release and some of his musical background! Also be sure to check out his band "Nine Day Queen" as well!

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---So what influenced you to really start playing music? Any particular memories or artist?

     Veradun Eleena (VE)---I got involved in music through my cousin Brian. He knew I wrote poetry, and he decided he was going to create a metal band one day. Asked me to sing (which I never had) and he assured me that it was okay, because it was Metal and people didn't care how you sound. So, I took my concept of poetry, and turned it into vocals. It was horrible.

     (PH)---That is awesome.

     (PH)---Did you just sing and write first? When did you decide to pick up playing other instruments?

     (VE)---Relatively recently, perhaps the last few years I started playing guitar. The Veradun & Eleena project was something written out of desperation, really. My band has been on a perpetual hiatus, and I decided that if I could find a handful of good chord progressions, I could write my own songs, and go in a different direction than the band.

     (PH)---I can tell you right now the 7 songs you just released are amazing. I seriously am blown away.

     (VE)---I appreciate it. This project almost got scrapped. It started going in a direction I wasn't happy with. However the engineer I was working with, took a co-production role, and then I took him into the project and it became ours. Matt Young (Press Recording) is also lead guitar player for a really good band around here called Tragic Culture. He saved this project for me.

     (PH)---I have found that sometimes desperation is the best factor in a great record.

     (PH)---In my opinion I hear influences from bands such as Ours, Dredg, and even Radiohead. To me all three of those band's are killer. What actual influences did effect you making this record?

     (VE)---Well, Jimmy Gnecco is a huge influence of mine. Honestly, listening to him is what prompted me to write from the place in my heart that I did with this album. With Nine Day Queen, Joseph Penno (guitarist) always found the right chords to piss me off. This album was written by me. A ton of A and E minor.

     (PH)---Even though I can hear the influence of Jimmy Gnecco the project definitely has it's own sound and vibe. The vocals are fantastic.

     (PH)--Who are some of your favorite bands?

     (VE)---Primarily well written vocals is what I always tapped into. My father turned me towards Pearl Jam when I was a young bloak. Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Kyuss to name a few. I think Mark Lanegan is a very unsung Vocalist. A lot of people don't know him, and he was a Seattle grunge contemporary, and Cobain's favorite musician.

     (PH)---Funny you say that. My favorite song on the album is "Fever". I can hear both Jimmy Gnecco and a Mark Lanegan influence. Lanegan is by far one of my biggest vocal influences.

     (PH)---What is that song about?

     (VE)---Well, being that you and I share a shitty disease. It's about anxiety. And how it sweeps through you. And the misery it causes. It's like a 'fever' or a plague. And that's what I wrote it as. A plague.

     (VE)---Just thinking about the song, vexes me.

     (PH)---That is totally the vibe I got from the song. It's incredible.

     (VE)---Thank you.

     (PH)---That is awesome you have a huge Mark Lanegan and Gnecco influnece
they seriously are two of my favorite song writers and singers

     (VE)---They're amazing. They can tap into words and images that turn songs into photographs.

     (PH)---What are the plans for your project this year?

     (VE)---Well, the only song on Vampiro that was just Matt & I, was The Fever. After finishing the project, he and I immediately said we are going to do a follow up EP later this year.

     (VE)---And then Nine Day Queen has so much stuff written, it's merely a matter of sitting down and figuring out what we want to do, and who's playing what instrument.

     (VE)---So I could see two more recordings coming this year.

     (PH)---Where can everyone not only check out these tracks but buy them as well?

     (VE)---All of Nine Day Queens old material is on our bandmix website. Some really cool tracks like Muddy, Tea with Karl Marx.

     (VE)---Vampiro by Veradun & Eleena is out today, actually. Amazon, Itunes, Google Play, Spotify

     (PH)---What is your personal favorite song on Vampiro?

     (VE)---Either Crazy Love or The Fever. Crazy Love is the first song I ever wrote. And The Fever is the most personal song I have wrote, and I believe it ties the whole album together with it's words and feel.

Jamie Miller (Snot, ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, TheStart)

     Jamie Miller is a great musician. He has played with many bands not only drumming but playing guitar as well. I have always been a fan of TheStart, Snot, as well as ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead. Thank you to Jamie for his time doing this interview.

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---First of all man thank you again so much. I have always been a huge fan of "TheStart". What are some of your best memories of that time of your musical career? 

     Jamie Miller (JM)---There are so many great memories from that time, my favorite is just the fact that Aimee and I started a band from nothing, made three records and toured non-stop for ten years.

     (PH)---You also play in ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead. What have you guy's been up to as of late? 

     (JM)---Trail Of Dead are about to embark on a short tour playing their seminal album "source tags" in its entirety. After that, we immediately begin recording a new album in El Paso Texas.

 

     (PH)---What are you music plans for 2014? 

     (JM)---Plans for 2014 are recording and touring with Trail of Dead, Aimee and I are making a new album and I'm producing a record for the band Midnight Masses. 

     (PH)---What is the crowning moment of your career in your opinion? 

     (JM)---Just having a career in music and having people enjoy what I do. I'm very lucky.

     (PH)---Any chance "TheStart" will play any shows in 2014? 

     (JM)---TheSTART is possibly playing some shows in the summer. Nothing solid as of yet. 

     (PH)---Good luck on everything in the future.

Kellii Scott (Faliure, Enemy)

     This interview with drummer Kellii Scott was extremely amazing for me personally. Along with “Nine Inch Nails”, “Failure” was one of the very first bands that really changed how I saw and perceived music. Failure was truly inspiring even before releasing the album “Fantastic Planet” which in my opinion is an untouchable record in the history of music. I really want to thank Kellii for allowing me to do this interview with him. Be sure to catch Failure opening for Tool from March 9^th to March 27^th 2014. Enjoy it’s a good one! 

 

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---First of all Failure is honestly one of my favorite bands of all time. "Fantastic Planet" is one of the greatest records ever made. What was it like being in Failure at that time? What are some of your best memories of that touring cycle?

     Kellii Scott (KS)---Firstly thank you but honestly it's also one of my favorite bands of all time. I've always considered myself very fortunate to have been placed with such talented and serious minded guys. It is super exciting and the work fulfilling in that it always moves you forward to a place that you know you couldn't have reached by yourself. I've always loved being in groups for that reason and it goes without saying that this particular group left such a impression on the arc of my playing. I would be a far different musician without them. Sorry, I keep talking in the present because I no longer feel a space in our career. These past few months working together again have swallowed the gap between now and then. I feel my fondest memories have always been those moments when we would reach that place musically that we had worked so hard to master. A moment here and there, the magic of looking for a finding a mysterious place where everyone is playing so together and emotionally, those moments are what it’s all about. When you blow yourself away. We are pretty harsh critics of our performances. So those could be few and far between.

     (PH)---How do you look back on that time and the importance that your band had on the music scene. You guys were really doing something that nobody else was.

     (KS)---Well that for me is kind of a weird one. I can't really see myself actually believing such an absurd concept of myself. Maybe, maybe not. I guess whether we have had that sort of effect is probably best left for other people to decide. I know that our music has left a lasting impression on me and honestly a lot of the years we weren't playing together I wished that we were. And as far as doing something no one else was doing, that I agree with. How could we. You can only be who and what you are. If you’re doing it right.

     (PH)---You recently played a show with Failure for the first time in years. How was it and how was the general reaction with the crowd?

     (KS)---We did. It wound up being beyond our expectations on so many levels. Firstly it was super stressful for a few moments at the beginning of the show just because it was really happening and we put on a pretty big production where so many things could have gone wrong. But then it went away and it was just such a rush of, I think everything that feels good about doing what we get to do, all at once for the next hour and thirty minutes. Secondly, there were so many people there that had gotten into our music well after we had split up. It was amazing to see so many new faces. Loved it every moment of it, couldn't have asked for a better first show back.

     (PH)---After Failure you played in the band "Enemy". What do you remember most about that era?

     (KS)---Enemy actually was during and after Failure. Troy and I have always been great buds and or playing together in one way or another. It actually took about ten years to finish that record. Such a great record and Troy is another fine example of the crazy talented people I get to share my life with. Unfortunately as a working band that was very short lived. Maybe a few gigs or so. We still kind of threaten to do another record someday. Funny..

     (PH)---What are the plans for Failure coming up in 2014?

     (KS)---Plans?? All I can. Well will say is..it's going to be filled with all sorts of fun and surprises.. You'll just have to wait and see. I don't want to spoil it for you.

Jeff Tuttle (Old Gods, Ex-The Dillinger Escape Plan, Malo Konjche, Horror Movie Expert)

    Jeff Tuttle was the guitar player for one of my favorite bands ever "The Dillinger Escape Plan". Jeff is also really into horror movies, another past time of mine and still stays strong in music playing with his band "Old Gods". He is a musical hero of mine and I want to thank him greatly for allowing me to interview him. ENJOY! 

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---You played guitar in Dillinger Escape Plan for quite awhile. What are some of your best memories of that part of your career?

     Jeff Tuttle (JT)---Getting to travel the world and do what I love was more than I could ever ask for in this world. I met so many amazing people, saw amazing things and performed on stages bigger than I ever thought possible.

     (PH)---I am a huge fan of your band "Old Gods". How did forming that band come about? What do you guys have in store for the future?

     (JT)---We’ve all known each other for a long time, especially Derek and I. We played in band called Heads Will Roll for a number of years prior to my time in Dillinger. We all wanted to do a project together and Old Gods is what we came up with. We’re still spreading the word about our full-length “Stylized Violence” and writing new material for a future release. We’re all involved in video production, so look for more music videos in the coming months.

 

     (PH)---I know you are a huge horror movie fan. What are some really good underground horror films to check out?

     (JT)--Some good underground titles are Stagefright (Soavi), Street Trash (Muro) and Ghost House (Lenzi). If you’re looking for something to turn your stomach, check out Cannibal (Dora) or The Vomit Gore Trilogy (Valentine). You’ve been warned.

    (PH)---Who is your personal favorite horror movie director of all time? Who is your favorite special effects artist for horror films as well?

     (JT)---Some of my favorite directors are David Cronenburg, Joe Dante, John Carpenter, Michele Soavi, Ti West, Lamberto Bava, Mario Bava, Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci... just to name a few. For SFX, I’ve gotta go with dudes like Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, Tom Savini and the KNB FX team.

     (PH)---Do you miss the days that movies were actually filmed instead of using digital equipment?

     (JT)---I used to care about that sort of thing, but nowadays everything comes down to story. If you can hold my attention, I don’t care what you’re shooting on. Digital gore, on the other hand... don’t get me started!

     (PH)---What do you have in store for 2014?

     (JT)---I’m in the process of finishing my first solo effort. I’ve been playing music for over 20 years and it’s taken me this long to do something like this. I’m excited to get it out. Malo Konjche is the name of the project and I’m looking to have it out before summer hits.

Jed Simon (Scar the Martyr, Strapping Young Lad)

     Jed Simon is a guitar playing machine. He has spent time playing with everyone from Devin Townsend in Strapping Young Lad to his band Zimmers Hole. Jed is now playing guitar in Scar the Martyr which features Kris Norris (Darkest Hour) and Joey Jordison (Slipknot). Scar the Martyr is incredible not only on their record but live as well. Jed is a guitar player that should be a household name and Scar the Martyr is a band everyone needs to hear. Check out this interview that Jed was so kind to do for my blog.

     Patrick Houtz (PH)---Jed hope all is well. Thanks for doing this interview for me. It is honestly greatly appreciated.
 
     (PH)---You have been in the metal scene for a number of years. What is one of the greatest memories you have playing live with any of the bands you have been in?
 
     Jed Simon (JS)---Thanks man, I have more great memories than I can count, haha! To pick one I'd have to go with having Happy Birthday sung to me by the entire crowd in Japan. It was an awesome moment I'll never forget.
 
     (PH)---I think you are an incredibly gifted guitar player. How was it playing in Strapping Young Lad with another great player like Devon Townsend? You guys wrote some amazing material together.
 
     (JS)---Devin and I just 'got along' well on guitar, we complimented each other. We both supported each other well on stage and in the studio...and I'd like to think we learned a lot from each other.
 
     (PH)---I have seen you play twice so far with Scar the Martyr once in KC headlining and once opening for Korn and Zombie. I will say right now Scar the Martyr is probably my favorite project you have played with. How did joining them come about?
 
     (JS)---Cool, thanks for coming out and supporting STM! Well I knew Rhys was in Iowa producing so I wrote a note saying hello and what are you working on out there? He said hello back and we talked a bit and that was it. About a month later he wrote me and asked if I'd be interested in doing some leads for this project. They had gotten to the point where they wanted some different flavors on the album and I was called up! I was so excited! They sent me a couple songs to demo out and they seemed to like it, flew me out and the rest is known! An awesome experience.

     (PH)---Kris Norris is also one of my favorite guitar players as well. I think you guys fit really well together playing live. It's honestly a treat seeing so much talent on stage. What is it like playing with Kris?
 
     (JS)---That's great, thanks! Kris is a monster player...just unbelievable. On paper, he and I are more like vinegar and water...our styles are so different, but we gel very well! We have found the formula that works for this band and it's a pleasure to play with him.
 
     (PH)---Random gear question. What is your favorite guitar you are currently playing live when Scar is touring?
 
     (JS)---Oh dude, that's easy! My white Jackson King V! Do me a favor and get one, or 6, haha! Amazing guitars...the best necks I've ever played.

     (PH)---What are the future plans for the band in 2014?
 
     (JS)---Well there have been a lot of recent events, as I'm sure you know. We are writing right now and will be back on the road very, very soon. Many plans are in action, and we just want to make sure we do it right!
 

     (PH)---I want to once again say thank you so so much for your time. I wish you the best of luck in the upcoming year and can't wait to catch you playing live again soon.
 
     (JS)---Thanks dude, many cheers from the House of Simon!