Infectious Magazine

Infectious Magazine: Tommie, thank you for taking the time to speak with me, how are you?

Tommie Vaughn:  I am doing fantastic, thank you! I am honored, your webzine rocks!

Infectious Magazine: This book is based off your own experiences, correct? What made you decide to write it as fiction rather than as an autobiographical work?

TV:  Yes that is correct. I chose to make the book fiction because fiction is much more fun.  I love the idea of blending reality with the air of mystery… what is real, what is not? That’s up to the reader.  I like to say that I try to stay true to most of the music and show experiences, but some of the romance and sex-capades is merely fluff… some of it.

Infectious Magazine: You’ve said you’d love for others to find inspiration in your book. What literary works have you personally found inspiration in?

TV: I absolutely love Tama Janowitz’s Slaves of New York. When I read it, I was already deep within my music career and living with my wonderful circle of artistic friends, it was then that I realized I wanted to create my own LA version of sorts.  I also love Laurel Canyon (The Inside Story of Rock and Roll’s Legendary Neighborhood) by Michael Walker, Scars of Sweet Paradise (The life and times of Janis Joplin) by Alice Echols, Planet Rock by the wonderful Lonn Friend, and Black Coffee Blues by Mr. Henry Rollins. I have always been inspired by stories about musicians and what it was like to really live the life in a different time.  (I also am a not so secret Harry Potter fan, and think that JK Rowling is probably the most talented, fanciful creator of fiction to date.)

Infectious Magazine: How have you found balancing your career as a musician and author?

TV:  Time Management. I really find I work well with self made deadlines and lists. There is something about crossing things off a list that gives me a sense of accomplishment.  The author thing is something new for me, but since I am usually writing something, whether it is a song, a poem, or utter nonsense, I try to just work on the novel along with everything else.  The music is a constant thing that is always there, my musical partner (and hubby, we broke the band rule a few years ago!) and I are always working on some aspect of music, be it practicing, performing, recording, mixing, or singing a lullaby for our son.

Infectious Magazine: As a writer, what do you do to overcome writers block?

TV: I am a firm believer that creativity comes and goes like a tide ebbs and flows. Sometimes you got it, sometimes you don’t, but it always comes back so I try not to worry too much about it. Mostly, when it happens, I will do some other form of art. Being a musician helps, but sometimes I can’t write a song to save my life so I will just walk away from everything for awhile and paint a painting, or a room in my house. Painting is so therapeutic to me. I don’t take it seriously at all and I will paint anything that feels good to me. A few people have complimented me on my artwork, said I should do a showing… but I just laugh at their lies, the paintings are for me, I don’t need to be critiqued by the pros. One of my best friends actually married a famous wonderful painter and I was so freaked to have him come over to my house, but he was very kind and graciously didn’t say a word about it. It’s a bunch of rubbish I’m sure.

Infectious Magazine: What is you suggestion for character development and writing in general?

TV:  I am always inspired by actual people… or a few of them to create a single character. Then I squish them all into one person and make them into what I want them to be. Since most of my characters are musicians or artists in some form, I like to show certain stereotypes, since they are so prevalent in rock n roll. There really is something called Lead Singer Disease, and even I can say I have some of those horrible aspects.  I think the most important thing a writer can do to help in creating characters is to open their eyes and really look at the people around them. Whether that is your lover or a woman passing you by on the street, look close for details and what stands out about them. A really good practice is to find a person, any person you do not know… say a man sipping his tea at your local coffee shop and creates a story around him. Who is he? What does he do? Is he a trapeze artist in the traveling circus whose lover just left him for another man because he snorts while having sex?  Fun stuff like that! It really works to get your creative juices flowing. That, and it can be funny as hell too.

Infectious Magazine: What’s in the future for Tommie Vaughn?

TV:  Another few books for sure! I am currently working on the follow up novel to This Rock in My Heart, and then once that one is finished and edited, I will begin the third book. All that may take a few years so I hope to just relax and enjoy the process of writing. I really love my characters and want to do them right, sadly a few are going to be pulled through the mud a bit, but that is another reality of living this sort of lifestyle and I want to show all of it, the good and the bad. As for the music, my band Wall of Tom is set to release our fourth album in just a few weeks. We just shot a music video for the first single and hope to be releasing that on AmericanSongwriter.com any day now. The biggest change that has happened to me is that I had my first child, so I am really enjoying being a mommy for the first time, and I am trying to find a balance between all three. I would love to get out and do some touring for the book and the album, but I need to make sure I can bring my little dude with me… I am picturing the Partridge family bus right now and I like it!

Infectious Magazine: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

TV: Mostly, what I would like to say to everyone is to follow your dreams. This life we get dealt is the only one we know of, and how long we have in it is out of our hands… so we might as well enjoy every moment of it doing what we love. That may be rocking a big stage, being a mommy, writing a book, or building a solar rocket ship. Whatever gives you the most joy in life is the best place to start. I know being an artist is a very hard road, I was starving to death a couple times, but in the end it was all worth it. Sure, I have done some shitty part time jobs to pay the rent but at least when I came home my creativity was my own and I could be happy with those moments. (I always suggest working in the food industry because at least they feed you! Ha!) No, really, just go for it. Chase after the unattainable. Believe in yourself and your art, you may have a heart of gold but write terrible songs to begin with, but if you stick to it and train yourself, you just get better and better with time, as long as you don’t give up! It’s not about money and fame, although I wouldn’t kick it out of bed for eating crackers, it’s about who you are and knowing that you have something within yourself that is unique, but if you never pursue it and get it out there it will be lost forever…Hmmmm, I think that is a famous quote actually, so yeah that’s what it’s all about.

Infectious Magazine spoke with Chuck Ragan to discuss genre techniques, creativity, and how fans can support and work to change their local neighborhoods and music scene. Check it out.

Infectious Magazine: Hey Chuck, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. You’ve been on the Revival tour recently. How has the road been treating you?

Chuck Ragan: It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s tough work to say the least to stay healthy, hold onto the balance of life and fulfill all responsibilities on both side of work and home life. It’s a never ending battle and always has had and will have it’s ups and downs but in the end I cannot complain one bit other than the fact that I’m away from home far more than I wish to be.

IM: You’ve mentioned that you essentially feel more at home on the road and require it to stay sane, and write music. What is it about being on the road that forces such creativity?

Chuck Ragan: That’s actually not true. I do not feel “more” at home on the road. I cope with it and I run with the ball I’ve picked up and have for years therefore I am more or less comfortable or more comfortable than most people when I’m in awkward or uncomfortable situations. As I said before, nothing’s easy and in this life you either roll with the punches or lay down and for a lot of us, only one of those is an option. So in time you learn to cope, get by and deal with sacrifice when faced with the tougher or uneasy side of being a nomad. One of the upsides to it aside from getting to know vast communities of amazing creative folks is the information and sensory overload that occurs while out and about. That always lends a hand in having a creative trunk of thought, inspiration and possibilities.

IM: What has been one of the more inspirational experiences you’ve had on the road-whether it ended up being used for a song or not?

Chuck Ragan: I could answer that question equally a thousand times and wouldn’t even know where to begin. If I don’t feel equally as moved writing the song that I’m writing today as I felt writing the last then it’s most likely not worth it and time to let it rest or die.

IM: You recently did a radio interview at Radio Boise 89.9 KRBX and expressed your support of community music. What do you think local scenes could improve on?

Chuck Ragan: I think local scenes of all types, genres and locations could always improve on community awareness and togetherness. I feel like somewhat of a hypocrite writing this since I’m away from home most of the time and am not able to support half of the functions that I’d like to in my town. But I do feel that community radio, functions, shows, local record stores and businesses along with local farming and the effects thereof are all crucial threads in the fabric of society and should not be overlooked. If you don’t like what’s happening in your town, join in and make a change before it’s simply gone and you have to start from square one. We can always learn more and be better to each other and leave a better impression for the young ones that’ll follow.

IM: What suggestions do you personally feel could change the local music scene for the better, and how can both fans and other bands get involved?

Chuck Ragan: Weekend get togethers, pot lucks, music… Songwriting workshops. Festivals. Pull in national acts to your town even if you start with one. Network the hell out of what you believe in and don’t look back. If you live in a town that you love but know there could be more to it, there’s no reason to settle for less. Do something about it. Whether we believe it right now or not, as individuals we are all capable to make a serious difference on our own. So just imagine what you and your friends & neighbors could do together!

IM: Having played in a punk band and now doing more acoustic work, what are some of the differences you’ve found in audiences, performance techniques, preparing, etc?

Chuck Ragan: When I play the loud stuff, I definitely have to remove myself a bit from where I’m at. I have to get back to where I used to feel when I was younger and get amped up in a completely different way. Walking on stage isn’t as much comfortable as it is a hurdle most of the time. My body and my voice have aged and it’s tougher nowadays to keep up the momentum and stamina that I need to. I have a real hard time standing still if I’m playing Hot Water Music songs. And if folks are going to come out and give us their energy and devotion and the guys in HWM are going to be there giving it as well, then I’m going to return it 10 fold. Anything else would be false.

When I’m playing my own music, it’s a completely different headspace and a very comfortable and liberating place to be musically and emotionally. Nowadays more so than the loud, rowdy rock and roll. I simply enjoy it more to be honest. The audiences are more diverse in every which way and the entire process of the evening and energy is not as harsh and rambunctious and I just feel more connected with that plane. At my age that’s certainly what I prefer but whatever my duty and job is at the time, I’ll certainly give it everything I’ve got out of respect to the supporters, the workers and my friends that I share the stage with.

IM: With songwriting being such a creative outlet, and having changed your style around before, would you say you also dabble in fiction/poetry/etc at all?

Chuck Ragan: I have since I was a teenager. My mother has always been a poet and a songwriter and I found interests in it early on. I’ve always written and collected or burned poems and have let it become a large part of my life even before I ever found myself in a band. I’ve been working quite a bit with a company called Milner Crest out of Portland who will be releasing a couple of my books. One of which is more or less a book of poetry, lyrics, reasons and such. One of these days it’ll see the light of day if it doesn’t see the fire first!

IM: Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Chuck Ragan: I just want to thank you for caring enough to ask. I feel very blessed and honored to be in the position that I’m in and do not take it for granted. If it wasn’t for the show supporters, the journalists and the friends and labels who help spread the word and the music that I believe in, I wouldn’t be where I am right now and for that I’m very grateful. I’ll keep writing and hopefully have something new for you down the road. Much respect!

Infectious Magazine spoke with Derek Jordan,  Decoded’s frontman, to get the lowdown on Rock For A Difference, an LA fundraiser hosted by Decoded and  focused on raising money and awareness for organizations across the city. You can find out more about the cause here and check out the interview below.

Infectious Magazine: Hey guys! How are you? Your first show for Rock For A Difference was May 3^rd. How was it?

Derek Jordan: It was great!  Ace of Hearts brought Duke, who is a pitbull and bulldog mix.  What an awesome dog!  We raffled off signed cds and shirts from the bands and raised money for Ace of Hearts to help their efforts in finding adoptive homes for dogs.

IM: What can you tell me about Rock For A Difference?

Derek Jordan: Rock for a Difference Los Angeles is a chance to bring music and local non-for profits together to promote a better Los Angeles.  When we were planning out Decoded’s May residency at Amplyfi, I wanted it to be meaningful.  That’s when I started contacting a handful of non-for profits to see if they’d be interested in being a part of it.  They were very receptive and within a couple days, we had five organizations lined up for every night of the residency.

IM: How did Decoded come to host the event?

Derek Jordan: We played at Amplyfi in late March and it went really well.  We came up with the idea of doing a residency there for May.  After we tied on all of the Los Angeles organizations, we began calling the residency “Rock for a Difference Los Angeles”.

IM:  How did the other bands get involved?

Derek Jordan: Amplyfi and I worked together to select all of the bands we invited to play.  We simply asked if they’d be interested and most of them jumped on board.

IM: What can fans that might not be able to make it to the shows do to get involved?

Derek Jordan: They can help spread the word by tweeting #RockForADifferenceLosAngeles and they can also help notify Los Angeles press outlets about it.

IM: This is such a fantastic, inspiring idea, are there any plans to make this an annual or recurring event?

Derek Jordan: It would be cool to make it a recurring thing but I’d like to see how it goes first.  Right now, I’m focusing on what we have on the plate.  I want to make it the best it can be.

IM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Derek Jordan: Absolutely!  Thank you for your interest in Rock for a Difference Los Angeles.  I’d like to add that Decoded’s debut EP, “The/Split”, might be coming out on my birthday, May 22.

Infectious Magazine sits down with 2/3 of The Wombats to discuss everything from doing the worm to sold out shows. And just how does the subject of asking sexual questions in future interviews come up? Check it out.

Infectious Magazine interviews Ryan Knight and Shannon Lucas of The Black Dahlia Murder during the 2012 New England Metal and Hardcore Festival before their on-set announcement of bassist Max Lavelle’s official welcome into the band.

Infectious Magazine: Hey guys, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. How are you?

Midnight Youth: Great thank you!

IM: How have you found it to be trying to break out of New Zealand and into Europe and the US?

Midnight Youth: It’s a pretty tough road breaking out of this part of the world – it’s been described as the cul-de-sac of world music, the end of the river. So to break out of here you really have to battle upstream. That being said, we’re up for the challenge and have pretty much dedicated our lives to making this happen.

IM: You mentioned that you’d love to see larger, well known bands take talented unknown bands on tour in order to both expose those bands and teach them the ropes. Of course this is an ideal I, and many others are in support of. Have you made any strides towards that with your own endeavors?

Midnight Youth: In New Zealand we always select opening acts that we love that could do with that bit of extra exposure – we love that philosophy. We’ve also been on a few tours in Australia with bigger bands there and opened for Incubus and Ok Go in New Zealand early on in our career – so yeah, I think that it’s something that’s been a big part of our career so far.

IM: Do you think that idea may be easier accomplished In New Zealand (or elsewhere) as opposed to here in the States?

Midnight Youth: I really don’t see any reason for it to be harder or easier anywhere in the world – it really is a matter of will and good intent on the behalf of bands and promoters.

IM: Along those same lines, playing in front of ‘big wig’ industry professionals both in New Zealand and recently the States, what would you say one of the major differences in the industry is?

Midnight Youth: In New Zealand we found the ‘big wigs’ would talk you down, say that you needed a lot of work and play hard to get. While in the US they talk you up, cheer you on…and then still play hard to get! I suppose that’s why we have a manager – he can play the games we don’t want to play while we get to just write and perform our songs.

IM: You had relocated to Australia for a bit, is that correct? How was/has that transition been?

Midnight Youth: Yeah we spent a year based in Sydney touring Australia as much as possible and had a great time. We also spent a lot of that time working on our latest album while there was no distraction from home. I think the band’s made a great start in the Australian scene and we can’t wait to get back and tour there again.

IM: It seems as though you’ve grown rapidly over the years. Have you had time to take it all in yet?  Having accomplished so much already, what is on your current list of goals?

Midnight Youth: I think we’ve accomplished a lot in terms of the small industry that is New Zealand – and it’s an amazing place to get the experience that a band requires to break into larger markets. Our government helps fund band’s records and overseas endeavours, so we’re really lucky. In the world scene though, we’re tiny fish with a lot of ambition – our goal over the next few years is to become a successful international touring act and so we’ll be doing everything we can to make that happen.

IM: What unknown bands would you like our readers to check out?

Midnight Youth: Some relatively unknown bands that I really love are: The Boxer Rebellion, Dead Confederate, Elbow and Portugal, The Man.

IM: What is in the future for Midnight Youth?

Midnight Youth: We just want to keep making records and touring the world as much as possible.

IM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me!

Infectious Magazine had the absolute pleasure to chat with Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup. You can find more of Reddick on Phineas and Ferb doing the theme for the show, frequently writing music for it, and also playing Danny.

Don’t forget to check out his side project,  People On Vacation!

Infectious Magazine: Hey, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. How are you?

Jaret Reddick: Hey! We are good…Just getting back from a tour of the UK, doing our yearly acoustic jaunt…A little jet lag in effect, I ain’t gonna lie, but feeling good nonetheless!

IM: You’re gearing up for your US tour-how are you feeling? Boston misses you, it’s definitely sad to hear you won’t be making it here this time!

Jaret Reddick: I know…I am not sure why that is…The run is anchored around a few college dates, so I am assuming the routing or the night of the week didn’t work out…We LOVE Boston…And Kay Hanley…And American Hi-fi…Aren’t they all like royalty and shit?

IM: You’ve talked before about coming from a small town and forming bands to stay out of trouble and keep boredom away. However, what was your real ‘uh hu!’ moment as far as really getting into playing music? What really sparked that interest for you?

Jaret Reddick: I remember it like it was yesterday, because it was! heyooooo….No…..I was in the 6th grade…A kid named Greg Norman played me the intro to “Crazy Train” on his walkman during free time after a math test….I was so intrigued by it…I had heard of Ozzy, but only the bad shit, and I thought “this doesn’t sound THAT evil”….That same afternoon I went to his house after school….He had a guitar and his entire room was covered with posters and magazines of different bands and such…But then he opened the door to his brothers room…It had this HUGE drum set and a bed in it….Same decor on the walls….I was hooked! I asked for a drum set that day and music became something I loved….

IM: You guys really don’t seem to take anything for granted and have said on multiple occasions you feel lucky to be able to play music for a living every day. Music career aside, what are some things you are also grateful for, that may have made you the people/musicians you are today?

Jaret Reddick: The obvious…Health, Family, Pizza….I have such AMAZING friends in the business and out of the business….I am also so grateful for my bandmates… Jaret Reddick is a true sum of it’s parts….We would not have done anything had it been us four and us four only, and I truly believe that….Also, you have to surround yourself with good people…Management, crew, your attorney…EVERYONE! Good people breed good.

IM: As self proclaimed Pop Culture experts, and with your time on I Love the 90′s what toy/show/event/etc do you get most nostalgic over?

Jaret Reddick: That’s a hard one, because those are all such different categories….I will say this…I was at the Grammys the year we got nominated amongst the most famous folks in all sides of entertainment and sports…I sat behind Jimmy Fallon, next to Evander Holyfield and in front of Godsmack….The only person in the room that freaked me out was Michael J Fox!

IM: You’ve commented on the press being less existent in the US as opposed to the UK, especially larger press. However, with the industry changing so much and a lot of press being internet based, or smaller blogs/college radio, how have you been able to embrace it?

Jaret Reddick: The UK definitely has much more NATIONAL press for music….Video and music outlets too….It just does….So I guess, the US, for us, has always been about the smaller publications….It’s just that there really aren’t “Zines” anymore, there are website, message boards and bloggers…It seems like it’s been a natural transition, I guess…

Not that I am talking shit about US music press, but let’s face it, Jaret Reddick is mentioned in Kerrang!! every week and we’ve been blurbed about in Rolling Stone twice in 18 years, that I know of….

IM: How have you been a part of that change and what would you like to still do?

Jaret Reddick: Industry wise? Man, I guess the roll we have played is being the band that evolves well…From physical to digital music, to, as mentioned press…We adapt…But we know we have to keep up with young bands who think Myspace was the equivalent to Disco…..So we embrace the socials and constantly put out content….You just have to now….Attention spans are short….

IM: Now, just a few offbeat, closer questions. Having toured extensively, what has been one of the stranger things you’ve eaten?

Jaret Reddick: I am SUPER picky eating wise….Honestly, until about 10 years ago I wouldn’t eat much of anything….I have gotten better…But when you are in some countries you do tend to try things because it’s there and you don’t want to be rude….So in Japan, you always have these amazing sit down dinners with the promoter after a show…..Most of the time I will smell something…..If I don’t puke I will take a bite and then ask what it is…..I drew the line when they brought a HUGE fish head to the table and all the guys just started sticking forks in it….I didn’t need to ask….I could tell what it was….I passed.

IM: What is your guilty pleasure?

Jaret Reddick: I love country music….I REALLY like old country….Outlaw Country…..Americana….But I admit, even some of the new pop shit is cool….It drives me crazy that I like some of it, but I do.

IM: What is one question you’ve never been asked, but would like to be asked, and what is the answer?

Jaret Reddick: Billie Jo Armstrong: “Hey Jaret, do you wanna tour the world with Green day for a while?”

Jaret: “Yes.”

IM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Jaret Reddick: Thank YOU!