There’s just no way for me to pick just one song by this band. Which is also today’s Fallen Friday. I’ve spoken about this band several times in the past and I will likely speak about them many times in the future. The absolute most ridiculous thing is attempting to sum this band up in one song. It can’t be done. So I’ll start you off with the first song that I was started off with.
Faith, Hope, Love. It’s about life and having an ideal way to live it. However my connection is going to run into the showcase I performed last night. I got a spot to perform at the Los Angeles Music Network’s Showcase last night. So of course I jumped on the chance to perform in front of some new faces and some industry folks that are specifcally there to find new artists and music. I’ve done things like this in the past and it usually amounts to very little, but last night felt very different. Here’s why…
My day actually began with me playing a little bit of poker, it’s a way I’ve come up with to supplement my income at the moment whilst I’m preparing to get my act on the road. I made the most I’ve ever made in a single day while playing a cash game. I have made more playing in tournaments. But this is much faster. After that I was making my rounds with phone calls with connections I was given to call – always a much easier way to get a foot in the door when someone has referenced you to do so (I hate cold calling). Then came the showcase to cap off my day. I played Falling In and Days of Our Lives. I got a huge response from Crane’s Tavern in Hollywood. The judges where very complimentary and had few critizisms. They all felt I should already be playing the big time. That’s a pretty cool thing coming from people that have done the things they’ve done.
Afterwards I was being pulled in several directions at once. People wanting to buy the CD. Industry people that were requesting the music and offering to help. Then there was the venue itself. Apparently I’m the first person they’ve ever decided to want a booking on the spot and give a show opening for a huge industry night hosted by an artist on Madonna’s Maverick Records. Whilest the date hasn’t been set yet, it’s all quite exciting. Then there was a man who stepped forward with the possibility of helping fulfill the funding that I’ve been hunting for for two years. It’s all quite surreal and all very exciting. In a way it’s helped to restore my faith, my hope and my love in music. To top it off, I’ve now been selected for the LAMN’s best of showcase due next June. It’s a ways off, but that’s already something to look forward to.
As for King’s X. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them on a few occasions. It could very well be because this is the one band that I’m not personal friends with that I’ve seen more than any other band live. I’ve seen a few others more than King’s X, but only because they were good friends of mine. King’s X hands down is probably one of the most powerful musical experiences I’ve ever had. In this particular song it’s not even the lead singer, Doug Pinnick, that is doing lead vocals. All three of them sing. All three of them shred on their instruments and they have a good time doing it. I remember one show at the House of Blues in Hollywood. I was hanging next to Matt and Greg Bissonette. Both of whom are friends of mine, but they are direct friends with Doug, Jerry and Ty. Jerry and Greg were exchanging goofy looks the whole night as I guess drummers do.
Musicially speaking the tones they get live are thunderous. Doug has by far and away the MOST heavy bass sound ever. No one comes close, except maybe the guy from Cheap Trick. Doug’s sound is so enveloping that it can seriously smother you with the amount of air his rig moves. It’s insane. It’s three guys creating all that sound and singing. That’s right three guys.
I had read about them when I was learning to play but it wasn’t until I met a buddy by the name of Matt Fairweather that actually played me some King’s X. It started here and from there I bought everything. There isn’t a song that I have by them that I don’t find absolutely brilliant. They are like the modern metal version of the Beatles to me. The only problem is… They never broke wide open. It’s a crying shame. Why? Because everyone I’ve ever sat down to get the to listen to King’s X, has become a fan. The funny thing is, most people ask why they’ve never heard of them. I can’t answer that.
I do know they had issues with their management, the label, their everything. I think they were a victim of bad business. Which is a sad realty on how people with talent get shit on so much. I should cut this short because I can go on for days about this band and how much I love them. You have to buy this song – I won’t take no for an answer. Then once you’ve enjoyed this song, go buy their entire catalog. It’s diverse and its amazing. You won’t be disappointed, I swear.