Interview with Alex Story of Cancerslug

The band Cancerslug is Alex Story. Cancerslug has been around for almost 10 years now. The only constant thing has been Alex. He writes all the material and the music and has a revolving door of musicians that have helped him make Cancerslug a live band.

Cancerslug just put out a new full length album called "Tales of a Butcher" and they plan to tour this summer to support it. They will finally be making their way to Cincinnati to play and before that happened I wanted interview Alex. So here it is.. Enjoy!

Interview with Alex Story of Cancerslug

Evil Abby - Tell us about the new album "Tales of a Butcher" word has it that it has 28 songs on it? That's a whole lot of Slug!

Alex Story - It's definitely the longest CS album to date, running just over an hour - but with almost 200 songs to my credit, it still only scratches the surface of what we've done. We tried to pick a good variety of songs to put on it that represented most of the different styles that the band has done.

EA - How did you guys working with the Metal Blade artists Randy Butman & Jack Goodwin (Paths of Possession) and Erin Fuller (Hell on Earth) come about? How did they contribute to the new album?

AS - Well, Cancerslug never had a "regular line-up". I write all the music, words and recorded most of the albums myself. Letting different friends help on recordings and tours here and there. I had a different line-up on every album and on every tour. People come and go, and sometimes come back again.

I grew up with Randy in Alabama and we started out playing around the same places in different bands. We kept up with the different projects that each other did and eventually we did some shows where Cancerslug played with Paths Of Possession a few times. Paths even did a cover of "Soulless".

Randy and I had talked about playing together for a long time, so we finally just did it. Jack said he was down to lay some guitar and I loved his guitar style. Erin who had played in an early version of Paths and was friends with us said he would handle the drums. It all worked out great. They really made the songs sound tight as fuck. We were all real happy with how it turned out. I think its the best representation of the band so far.

EA - You also had Brian Elliot produce and record the album. He is known for working with bands like Soilent Green and Lizzy Borden. Did working with him add anything to the sound of the new album?

AS - Definitely. Brian is an awesome guy. He cut us a great deal and worked his ass off to get 28 songs recoded/mixed/and mastered in under a weekend. He really understood what I was going for. He also didn't let me get lazy. I'm the king of "that'll do" hahaha. Almost every album we have done has been all 1st takes. He let me experiment with some different vocals and get the best sound. He has a great ear and is super easy to work with.

EA - So who in the band is the metal fan? Seems like you guys take a lot of influence from the metal / death metal genre but make it your own.

AS - We all pretty much hate music. I think most bands suck actually. Can't listen to hardly anything. I grew up on punk and metal... so that's the bulk of my influence. Then there are influences across genres. So when I write I add in a little blues, a little jazz, a little whatever. Its all just rock n' roll to me. I try not to let it be classified. Rock n' roll spirit with punk energy and metal orchestrations in short blasts of inspiration with a blues mans heart.

EA - I remember back in 2002 I think when I wrote my paper zine and you sent me a burned cd that just had the words Cancerslug and Whore on it. I also remember having to lend that cd to more people than I could count. Since back then what accomplishments do you think you guys have achieved?

AS - It's hard to say. I never really expected anything of Cancerslug. "Success" to me is just making good music, playing good shows and recording good albums. I never wanted to be a "rock star" and still don't. I've turned down record deals and opportunities that people have called me stupid for. I guess the best accomplishment is that by doing this band I have been able to travel all over and play shows with bands that I grew up being a fan of. Having my boyhood heroes tell me that they loved my music. So that's pretty cool I guess.

EA - Where do you see Cancerslug going in the near future?

AS - I never really plan it out. I always said that once I got bored with it I would quits. But, its been 10 years and I'm still not bored hahaha! So who knows, but I'll continue to make the kind of albums that I want to hear and not worry about what anyone else wants.

EA - Your songs are melodic and catchy but the lyrical content most of the times are of things that most people only witness in nightmares. Is there certain life experiences for you that tend to push the pen when you write your lyrics?

AS - I think its just metaphorical analogies of things that everyone thinks, even if they don't talk about it. There is no light without shadow, there is no shadow without light. But at the same time, I like to throw hidden meanings into the songs.... That way, the listener gets whatever they come looking for. If they just want the funny "did he just say that" bullshit, then that is there, but if they look a little deeper into the lyrics we have a definite message.

EA - I took 6 stitches to the face from brass knuckles at a show from a straightedge kid who couldn't take a joke about a "sensitive" word a band member I was booking said.. The show ended in a bloody full bar brawl with the cops. Have you guys ever dealt with anything of that nature due to your lyrics?

AS - Whenever you are considered a "violent band" then you always get idiots who just come to show how "tough" they think they are. We have been attacked all over. The funniest part to me, is that people assumed that since we were angry and from Alabama that we must be racist, KKK or something. So we had his huge skinhead following for a second. Until they would come to the show and see that we had a black drummer or an Iranian girl playing bass or an Indian guy on guitar or something and be all bummed out hahahaha! I love to disappoint peoples perceptions. I've come away from more than a few shows bloody and bruised up. No one has ever stopped us and usually people find out the hard way that we bite back. So do our fans

EA - You guys are well accepted amongst the "horror punk" community is this something that you embrace?

AS - I hate labels on any kind of art. It's all rock n' roll to me. I liked the Danzig bands (Misfits, Samhain, Danzig) The Damned, Bauhaus, The Cramps and shit like that. Those bands were obviously an influence on my music. Most of the bands that people consider "horror punk" I just don't like. Music is a personal journey, so if that works for you great, its just not my cup of tea.

I think the make-up and bullshit is out-dated and stupid at this point in time. Most of them can't write for shit. I mean OK, just cause you can play a chord and say boo! Doesn't mean you should paint a skull face and start a band. I mean, if you like "spooky pumpkin patches" and "ghosts and bats" and "the boogeyman" then whatever. To me those bands are more like R.L. Stine's Goosebumps or some kiddie bullshit. I prefer real life horror.

EA - There are crazy stories about Cancerslug shows. Things about you bleeding and everyone thrashing each other. Are the stories true?

AS - We have had some legendary shows. Only one way to find out - come to a show. I can say this, even people that HATE us... always enjoy the show.

EA - What is the craziest show you guys have ever played?

AS - Really hard to say. There have been many for many different reasons. I have personal favorites but then someone will remind me of something really fucked up and I'll be like "Oh shit, I forgot all about that!" hahaha. When the band is at its best the shows usually de-evolve into madness. People in the crowd (normal people) usually end up doing things they normally would not. It becomes almost a religious experience with blood the sacrament.

EA - If you could play with any bands on one bill alive or dead who would it be?

AS - The Doors with Jim. Black Sabbath on their first tour. The Germs final show. The Cramps touring Bad Music for Bad People. The Misfits 1982. Fear 1982. Black Flag 1982.

EA - What are your influences musically?

AS - I grew up on late 70's early 80's punk and 80's thrash metal. There is a little of everything. All the Danzig bands (Misfits, Samhain, Danzig) Bauhaus, The Damned, The Cramps, The Doors, Slayer, Metallica, Fear, Black Flag, Black Sabbath, Kinghorse, At The Gates, Neurosis, Rasputina, Morrissey, Dax Riggs, Jucifer - too much shit to name hahaha.

EA - So, summer tour? Where all are you going?

AS - Still plotting it all out now. We may have to do it in small 2 week at a time deals, breaking the shows up here and there. But we are gonna try to hit most of the country.

EA - Come rock and party with the SlugCult of Cincinnati??

AS - We'll be there and it'll be sick.

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Big thanks to Alex for the interview. I owe him beers when they play here! Make sure you check back here for updates on the exact date Cancerslug will be coming through. As soon as they figure it out, I will get it booked. Also make sure to check out the links below and get a copy of the new album on Drink Blood Records called Tales of a Butcher.

Slug Cult Rise!

-Abby

http://www.cancerslug.net/

http://www.drinkbloodrecords.com/

Interview with Jimmy Calabrese

Last April I had my first opportunity to book Calabrese and bring them to the Northern KY / Greater Cincinnati area. Prior to that they have never played this area before but people were constantly asking me to try to get them to come play. Calabrese are some of the nicest guys I've had the pleasure of booking and working with.

So, after the last show they recently played here I decided that it was time to pick Jimmy Calabrese's brain on a number of subjects. Big thanks to Jimmy for taking the time out of his hectic schedule to do this interview!

14 Questions with Jimmy Calabrese

Evil Abby - Let's recap on your recent show here. Did you guys have fun? Did you drink the moonshine? (note: Like mentioned before the fans in and around Cincinnati can be a bit wonderfully touched sometimes and bring gifts such as moonshine for bands!)

Jimmy Calabrese - Which show was that, the one near Cincinnati? That show sucked, who was the promoter for that? Just kidding! I had a blast, you guys are crazy out there in the Midwest. The moonshine, I was informed, is half white corn and half potato, from the top of the still, which is the clean stuff that won't make you go blind. I've only had a little taste because I'm waiting for a special occasion to pull out that mason jar of moonshine and bark at the moon.

EA - Before last year, the first time I booked you guys people were constantly yelling at me "Book Calabrese!!!!" Now it seems like you guys have found a once a year home in our twisted little scene. How does it feel when you go back to places year after year and see the same faces? (...and some new ones)

JC- It's great to see the same people again and again, I just wish I could remember names. I always remember a face but a persons name, forget about it. So if you see me again and I look like a malfunctioning robot I'm just trying to match your face with what I remember about our last conversation.

EA - As far as shows go, what are some cities you guys love to play? Craziest crowds you've played for?

JC- They love us in Hollywood, El Paso, Chicago, what can I say, everywhere where we go we leave a wake of destruction like Godzilla. But just so you know the size of the crowd does not guarantee a great show. One of my favorite shows have been for fifty people crammed in a small coffee shop out in Stockton CA. I love being face to face with the audience, it's more intense and intimate...probably not the best show for the small guy in the back of the room but what are you going to do?

EA - I noticed your dad travels with you guys and runs merch. How the heck did you luck out to get parents that cool?! Most bands would kill to have someone they trusted like that running their stuff.

JC - Papa Calabrese started out like any good parent by supporting his kids by going to shows but instead of losing interest after a few gigs he got more involved (luckily for us he didn't have hobbies). When we started playing bar shows Davey was only 16 so Papa Calabrese had to be around anyway which lead him to run the merch. He's now more than just the Merch Guy but a Manager, Financial Advisor and Roadie all rolled into one, a true showbiz parent.

EA - You guys are a very self sufficient band. You don't have magical labels, managers, tour bookers. You guys have a very DIY ethic which is hard pressed to find in a lot of bands now. Is there reasons for this? Did you ever think Calabrese would reach the level it has? Are you satisfied with the level of success you guys have had to this point?

JC -We learned early on that no one was going to help us so instead of concentrating our efforts to impress a major label we decided to focus our efforts on the fans. The internet has changed the old model of running a band, it's now possible to be your own label, manager and booking agent. Am I satisfied with our level of success? I think it's human nature (or being an American) to never be happy with what you have.

EA - What are your opinions of the current state of the "horror rock" scene? Do you think it's became more unified or separated in the past years?

JC - I haven't noticed any separation in the scene. There's always been a stronger bond between the east coast and west coast bands but that's too be expected, it's hard to build relationships when you don't play shows together all the time.

EA - I'm sure in all your travels you have had the pleasure, and sometimes brain torture (not that you would admit it!) of seeing a lot of other bands play and open for you guys. Do you have any faves you enjoy seeing? I know from always dealing with the business at shows, its hard to catch other bands but occasionally when it happens it can be awesome.

JC - It's hard to watch all the bands we play with especially the bands that go on right before us. Normally there's last minute things to do or we need some time to relax and focus before we hit the stage. The music also starts to sound the same after a while and you get burnt out listening to blaring music, that's why I like to get CD's from bands we play with so I can listen to them later once I'm ready. I've been meaning to blog about all the bands we've played with and give a little scene report.

EA - You guys have worked with a ton of great horror artist such as Big Tony and James Rowe who have been pounding the ink to this scene for years. Is there anyone else you guys want to work with?

JC - Basil Gogos and Frank Frazetta. You might not know their names but if you google em you'll know the art.

EA - While we're on the subject of art, how important do you think it is this day in age when you can just download the cd from itunes to actually design a kick ass cd?

JC - I'm not sure if it's really that important. Lately I've been ordering CD's on Itunes and the artwork is never a consideration when choosing music. I do think the art is very important concerning a bands online presence and live performance. I still love a CD jam packed with artwork but it seems people would rather have the lyrics in a CD case instead of artwork.

EA - Also, please help me explain the importance of having a lot of merch available at shows when touring!! (people don't listen to me, maybe they will you ha!)

JC- The show guarantee, if you are lucky, will pay for gas to the next show, so the only way to make a profit is to sell merch. Yes, it's a lot of work to haul around merch, have someone to sell it, and keep the inventory levels full but it does pay off.

EA - What does the near future hold for Calabrese?

JC - A new music video for the movie "The Graves", a new CD and a one shot Calabrese comic from Modern Mythology Press. Hey, that sounds pretty impressive.

EA - Any advice for DIY bands out there?

JC- Don't give up, keep writing songs, keep playing shows, keep learning more and sell you soul to the devil, that helps too.

EA - Ok, here is some easy questions so my readers can get to know Jimmy Calabrese.

Main inspirations for playing music? Listening to music inspired me to try and play music.

Fave musicians? Danzig, AFI, recently I'm hooked on System Of A Down.

Fave movies? Dead Alive, Ghostbusters, Evil Dead series

Fave books / comics? Cal MacDonald, The Goon

If you could play a show of any lineup of bands including your own, live or dead what bands would play with you? The Danzig Trilogy - Misfits, Samhain, Danzig

Vice of choice? Television

What's a day off like? You know the everyday kinda stuff, drinking blood, eating children.

EA - Any closing words for the readers? Words of wisdom?

JC - Nope. Thanks for the interview it was fun.

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Make sure you check out Calabrese over at their website http://www.calabreserock.com/ (or click the link below)

Keep it evil!

-Abby

Calabrese/The Reanimated/The Big Bad/Pumkin Slut and Veronica Grim 3-15

This show was one of the greatest shows I think I have booked. Not because it had a great turn out but because I got to see all my friends and people under one roof. After all the stressing about getting the show together, promoting and all the other typical stressful business that goes with booking it went on without a hitch.

The night started out with everyone arriving and hanging out, which to be honest is always my fave part of the night, getting to see bands and friends from far away come out to rock is the best feeling on earth. Provided them with a show to do such is the most rewarding part. This part of the night always puts my stress level at ease.

As usual all the guys in Calabrese were awesome to everyone who came to see them. Here is a picture of them in the parking lot with one of their biggest fans little miss Autumn, who got them to sign her guitar case. She is the hardest rockin' 9 year old horror punk fan you will find. She also lists Mr. Jimmy Calabrese as dreamy as Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and you know that's big time stuff in a 9 year old world!

The show kicked off with Miss Veronica Grim (above) doing a solo warm up performance. This chick can wail!! At first when the crowd of mostly punk and horror punk sorts saw her I think they were under the assumption they were going to get some lame chick vagina rock. After a couple moments they knew they were wrong! She did a bunch of her original rockabilly-esque tunes and also treated the crowd to various cover songs, that got most people pumped and they all sang along. Watch out for this girl, she's going to be big someday soon. http://www.myspace.com/hardluckrogue <- Veronica's Myspace

The next band up was Pumpkin Slut and for some reason I can't find any pictures of their set. But lets just say it involved a burro show. You know a donkey. For real. OK, not a donkey show like that you sickos!! But it was a pinata filled with goodies. Pumpkin Slut never fails to entertain that's for sure. They might be a little insane and write songs about zombies at McDonald's but they put on one hell of a show. That's why I like to book them. Also Billy is like a brother to me in my extended screwed up family so I love these guys and they always entertain the heck out of the crowds at my shows. http://www.myspace.com/pumpkinsluts

The Big Bad played next. These guys are definitely brothers from another mother. I can't say enough good things about this band. I would definitely go as far to say currently they are one of the most under-rated horror bands around. They have found a second home coming to Cincinnati and rocking with us. I love them so much they crash at our place and I fix them pancakes! They had their new CD there, and they played almost everything off the album and also covered Maneater by Hall and Oats haha! It was amazing as always. Their CD is awesome but is nothing compared to the live performance they give. If you haven't seen then I highly suggest you do. http://www.myspace.com/thebigbad

The Reanimated were up next. These guys never cease to make me proud of them. I worry about them a lot because they are all missing a couple of marbles upstairs but that's why I am friends with them. I would have to say this was probably one of the best live performances I have seen out of them ever. I think all winter they were storing all their super hero energy up for one kick ass blow out show. They didn't cease to amaze and as usual the crowd pounded each other and most came out covered in fake blood. Wouldn't be a good time with the Reanimated if that didn't happen right?!

Calabrese took the stage and did what they do best - rock. I have always been impressed by these guys because there is only 3 of them. For a band with just 3 members they definitely rock the hell out. They always put on a high energy show for their fans. I must admit that I missed the first half of their performance because I had to go count down money and pay bands, but even though I was in the back doing business I could still hear and sing along! That's what sucks about what I do sometimes. I have to take care of the business aspect first and foremost and sometimes I miss some of the bands I want to see. But in the end it's all worth it! I did get to catch the last part of the set after I pushed my way up front and even got a little sing-along on with the covers they did at the end. Once again they gave us a 100% performance and everyone loved it! So much they didn't want to leave the club!

Overall I wish every show I booked always went as well as this one did. I would like to thank everyone who came out to support the show. Everyone who drove far to see it, came and rocked out. You guys are the reason I book shows and not just go to them. Thanks to all the bands, you are all amazing.

The last bit I would like to share with you is some random pictures... We had an after party. I won't explain it, but you can see the pictures haha!!

Eric, Kyle 13 and Adam aka Drunk, Drunker, and Drunkest! I love all 3 of these crazies. I just had to share this picture of undying manlove. Eric and Adam are a hoot alone when intoxicated most the time. Add Kyle 13 to the mix and the 7th layer of Hell is about to open. Kyle is like the Nikki Sixx of Horror Punk. You never know what he's going to do, he's random. That's why I love him. I have a feeling if Kyle hung out more here, him and I would see the backseat of a couple of cop cruisers. He has that way of bringing out the evil in people haha! PS Kyle.. You still owe me a drink butthole! All beer showers at the show were compliments of Kyle also. Make sure you send him thank you letters. haha

Here are a couple pictures from the after party we had. Yes the gun is real. It is not loaded. But most the pictures are hilarious. Pixe never looked hotter holding a machine gun! We had a lot of fun esp. with Greg's gun collection. I think he's waiting on the zombie apocalypse. Sorry to anyone who drank the Ouzo and ended up puking. It's for the hardcore of the hardcore apparently.

I hope if you read this you enjoyed it. Please feel free to leave comments! Also be on the lookout for more stuff on here asap!

Keep it evil!

Abby

Something New!

Greetings everyone. For most of you who might be reading this blog you already know me and know everything I do promotions and band wise. For those who don't my name is Abby and for the past 8 years I have helped promote and book bands out of Cincinnati, OH. I have brought a lot of national bands through and tend to work mostly with the horror punk / horror rock genre.

The reason I created this blog is to give reviews of my own shows and experiences as well as promote new bands. I will also be interviewing bands that I have booked or that are interesting and deserve the attention.

So stay tuned! Keep it evil!
-Abby