Tragic...

 It is tragic that I can identify with this video...

An act of God?

Firstly, I'll apologise in advance for the short length of today's post. I'm currently in the final weeks of my final year at University and time is like gold. As well as a certain blowing hill in Iceland, I believe this may of had an effect on my show last night.

Last night saw us playy Moho in Manchester. The bill was to include Haste the Day and Oh! Sleeper. For the record, I've been a big Oh! Sleeper fan since I saw them supporting Underoath. That was the reason why I tired to get on the gig. Also it would mean I wouldn’t have to pay for ticket! Unfortunately, due to the current situation with the Volcano in Iceland the band were unable to fly over from America. I’m sure everyone is aware, but for the sake of reading back on this blog in the future I’ll just mention that all flights to and from the UK have been suspended due to a little bit of ash. Gutted.

I really enjoy going to and playing shows at this venue. Dave the promoter is not only a great professional, but a really nice guy. We’ve played with a lot of promoters who have had a chip on there shoulder for putting on ‘big’ bands. Most of the time by ‘big’ bands they mean cover and tribute acts. Dave has put on some of the finest bands in metal and indie, yet treats all bands and fans with nothing but respect. We appreciate the opportunities he has given us and feel proud that he recognizes how hard we work at art.

The sound at the venue was great and the sound on stage was good. It was nice to work with a sound guy who knew his rig. I must admit though that before the show I didn’t feel quite up to it. My work load at University is stressing me out and if I’m going to be honest all I wanted to do was be back home chipping away at it. I’ve felt this way for the last few gigs which is unlike me. I usually thrive off playing live. I’m sure I’ll feel better in a few weeks.

I thought we played ok. The crowd was very quiet and from on the stage it seemed like they didn’t enjoy it. However after speaking to people after the show that was fortunately not the case. We were a lot heavier than the other bands so it was good to impress those who aren’t extreme fans. I believe I could have performed better though. I feel I didn’t show the confidence I normally do on stage. I’ve learnt from this though. I believe that when you are in a band and you are serious you should evaluate everything you do. I got the feeling last night we didn’t give the same ‘big band’ feel we do at other shows. We didn’t really use the side of stage well enough when taking the stage and also unloading our gear. These might seem small things, but they are small changes that can be easily done that make a difference. It isn’t a problem though. Just something we can improve which is what it is all about.

Our next gig is an outdoor show at a festival in Cheshire so I’m looking forward to that. It’s in a few weeks so by then things will have calmed down a bit!

Please check out all our upcoming shows on our myspace and help spread the word on book face and myspaz!

Cheers!

Daz

As flat as an oatcake...

Last night was our 2nd show in Newcastle in the last 2 weeks. We tend to space gigs in the same area out a lot more than this, but we are never one to turn down a show. In hindsight we probably should have turned this one down...

Due to an accident on the road I turned up at the venue later than the rest of the lads. I thought I would have missed sound check but it seemed like the sound guy was only just setting the drums mics up, which was a little concerning as ime was getting on. I believe the sound guy wasn't very well, but he totally seemed like he wanted to be elsewhere. I gave him some feedback on what I thought needed changing with the sound and he humoured me with some button pressing.

Hayden (guitarist) was sporting a new guitar and his clean sections sounded real crisp during soundcheck. Dave (other guitarist)was still playing through his line 6 combo although he has recently acquired a line 6 head. I think a cab unit can’t come soon enough for him. You can tell that he is desperate to try out some new settings.

I started to become concerned about how the gig had been promoted when my dad (Steve) pointed out that all the posters in the venue didn't make any reference to this gig. I became even more concerned when the other band informed me that they too hadn't heard from the promoter and that he wasn't at the venue.

Instead of worrying about the lack of people in the venue I start sort out our new merch stand which Steve had built for us. There is a weird feeling of pride in a tidy little merch stand that is probably perceived as quite sad by anyone other than the band. 

I found out that the bassist of the first band had decided he wasn’t coming to play the gig because he had too much college work. I thought this was shocking. I am also a student under immense pressure from deadlines at the moment, but organisation and communication should stop this type of thing from happening. The band went on without a bassist and I felt really sorry for them. Being let down my a band member is like being let down by a family member.

Another gig in Newcastle and another idiot who can’t handle his ale in the crowd. This time he was mumbling and stumbling in front of the other band on the bill. Thankfully he was ejected before we went on stage.

The venue was pretty empty other than a few people that had come to see us. Regardless of this we played a pretty tight show and got a really good reception. I approached the manager of the venue following our set and expressed how disappointed I was in the lack of communication from the promoter and the lack of promotion done for the show. Why do venues expect bands to do all the promotion? Although we had been told we would get paid for the gig we once again left with nothing but emptier pockets from petrol, fuel and drinking funds. Great.

I did receive probably my best compliment to date off  a lady who most certainly wasn’t what you would class as a fan of the more extreme side of music.  She said “You were sexy in scary kind of way”.  That will do for me.  If you can’t win them over musically, scare them.

I  decided to drown my sorrows in a bottle of jim Beam on the way home which probably wasn’t the best of ideas as read and writing this blog is starting to give me a headache.

Next week is a gig with a band I have a lot of respect for called Oh Sleeper. Also on the bill are Haste the day. Both of these bands have proven records and playing with these bands will be a great little challenge for us. Time to level up again!

RIP Pete Steele

...so you want to be a metal vocalist?

I had someone ask me for some advice on becoming a metal vocalist.  They were very humble in their request and in all honesty I should be the one humbled by someone asking advice from me.  I am proud to be asked such questions so I thought it would be relevant to post my response on here;

Hey dude.  I'm cool man.  Everything is all good.

The first thing with being a metal vocalist is to remember that whatever type of vocal you are doing, it's a vocal technique and you need to approach it in that way.  A lot of people understandably think that screaming down a mic requires the same type of intensity as screaming when you are plain angry.  This isn’t the case.  A solid metal vocal is all about control and consistency.  I always rate my performance (from a vocal perspective) on how consistent my vocal is throughout a single ‘scream’ and throughout a gig.

Approach a vocal warmup the same way as a regular singer would.  There are lots of vocal warm up mp3’s out there that should help with that. 

Never try to sound like someone else.  Be influenced by all means, but don’t go out to specifically sound like someone else.  Think about the majority of bands you love and especially those who are at the top of their game.  Do they sound like anyone else?  The majority don’t.  Don’t be the next Mitch out of Suicide Silence…Be the first Jake.

Remember when you start trying out techniques not to do so for hours.  You’ll strain yourself and get headaches.  Make sure you don’t try to be as loud as you can.  Remember it is about the sound not the volume.  Take your time.  For many years my vocal was pretty low in volume, now it’s pretty loud but controlled.  If I go to the football and shout my head off, I’ll lose my voice.  Put me on a stage for an hour and I’m fine.  That is no co-incidence.

Focus on breathing techniques in regular singing lessons and practice through a mic as well as without so you can hear the difference.  Some singing lessons to begin with would be a good idea to get the basics down.

I hear some people say smoking and coughing before doing a metal vocal helps.  It doesn’t and as a matter of fact, it will ruin the consistency of a scream in the long run.

Lastly don’t get embarrassed.  I understand that having a microphone in front of you and having a load of peers watching you is a little bit daunting, but don’t worry.  Be confident and positive.  It will all pay off.

I hope this helps a little bit dude.  If you need any more advice or help, just let me know.

Take it easy

Daz

SCREAM FOR MY STAFFORDSHIRE!

First gig since I've started the blog so this one will probably bit a little more long winded than the others so I apologise in advance. You guys know how to skim read yeah?

Last night was our show in Newcastle-under-Lyme and our first show at this particular venue. I was getting a little concerned when Jane of Tom Tom fame navigated us down a road that turned out to be the loading bay for a shop, however it seemed that other members were suffering the same fate. Luckiliy we soon found the venue and proceeded to unbundle the gear from our cars. We don't currently have a van so we drive to most shows in our cars which is a bit of a blag, but it does means we can bring a few people. I have a really supportive family so I always travel with them.

I've been gigging for years now and last night was the first night I remember a promoter buying me a drink. It might not sound much but it is. I'm a firm believer that a band shouldn't have to be out of pocket for playing gigs. I don't expect the promoter to lay on food, cocaine and strippers (although that would be epic), but little things like a pint mean a lot. The promoter last night was a treat to deal with. He seemed a nice guy and it was nice smiling face welcome us.

When we started setting our gear up we found out of the manager that we had to do our own sound. I wasn't too concerned because the venue was pretty small and only the drums and vocals would need micing up. The only problem was that there was no drum mics and I had to mic the kick drum up with a vocal mic. It wasn't ideal and it wasn't the best sounding, but it was better than a lot of venues we've played so there wasn't any real problem with it.

I was really happy with how the lads got on with getting their gear set up and it was nice to watch them trying hard to ensure the sound was as good as it can be off stage. Although we love monitors and a good sound on stage, the reality is that we hardly ever get it. The way we see it is that as long as it sounds as good as it can for the people off the stage, then we are happy.

It was nice to sit and have a laugh with the people who had travelled up to see us. I love it when all the band members are sat together with our family. I see a lot of our supporters as family members. In all honesty, this is sometimes the highlight of the night for me. Our friend Liggy had also brought us all food from Maccy's. Food and drink in one night...we were getting spoilt here!

The gig went pretty well. We played a solid set with no fuck ups which is always the primary concern. The crowd was pretty stationary, but we got a good reception after each song had finished. Thats the most important thing. A bands worst nightmare is to ginish the first song and hear silence. The venue was situated in the town centre and was free to enter which meant a few people who weren't the biggest metal fans would wonder in from time to time. I actually see playing to these type of people the biggest challenge and I thrive off it. I've played gigs where people have come up to me and said "It's not my type of thing, but you guys were really good and put on one hell of a show". Now that is victory. Unfortunately, this time around there was one inbred twat that stood at the side making a nuisance of himself. He tried to grab my mic was I pushed my mic away from him. In all honesty I wanted to slam it in his face, but I've learn't from my mistakes and decided to rise above it. I gave the barman a wink and the inbred soon left.

The guitarist totally nailed their solos and I love looking to the side of me and seeing constantly growing in confidence every gig we play. I felt my vocals were pretty good, although I still can't shift all the mucus out of my head which is getting a bit of pain in the arse!

After the gig I was approached by two ladies who looked like they were about to go to a nightclub. Most people would be suprised to learn that they were big death metal fans, but I wasn't. I'm probably not the most conventional looking metal head as most of the time I'm in sports gear, so I understand that image has fuck all to do with loving and being metal. For a genre which used to be so focused on individuality, it has unfortunately become very narrow minded. They were top ladies and a pleasure to chat vocal techniques with.

A pretty good experience and it was a treat to earn some cash from a gig. We've started to get a little money lately because of our reputation and endorsements. Hopefully we can build on this and finally buy a van (and our own maccys!).

Next stop...back to Newcastle next week!

Until then, stay brutal!

Daz

Turin

The beginning of a road built some time ago...

After realising that in hindsight I should of started this 8 years ago, I have decided to start my own blog on the life of a musician in the misunderstood and under estimated genre of extreme metal.

I have been a vocalist for around 8 years now and over these years I have shead blood, sweat and tears for my art. I've had both the best days and the worst moments of my life during my time as a band member. As my band reaches a point that I see as a cross roads I feel that giving my account as a member could serve
as interesting reading and an eye opener for some including myself! I hope that in some way it can be a guide to others and a reference point of wether or not they really want to make the same decisions I have.

I have decided that I will give a brief account of my opinions and feelings following each gig and I will also give updates on developments within the band that are worth noting. I've promised myself to be honest in all my posts. I don't want this blog to simply seem as another cheap way of promotion.

I just hope that for readings sake (and my own sanity) the future is as interesting as the past has been!

My band is 'This is Turin'. Our myspace is www.myspace.com/thisisturinuk. We are an extreme metal band signed to Rising Records from Cheshire, England.

Below is a biography of what once was and what is now.

Thank you for you time.

Darryl

Turin
--------------------------------
This is Turin formed in 2008 but the roots of the band were planted years earlier. In 2002 lead singer Darryl Jones and guitarist Anthony Hayden joined forces to create a band known as Fall.Out. The original concept of the band was to give like minded individuals the chance to enhance their musical capabilities and create unique material without boundaries. Fall.Out picked up notoriety within the local scene and continued to establish their own style whilst playing shows with bands such as American Head Charge and Raging Speedhorn. The band then grasped the attention of people further afield, even as far as winning ‘The Mic’ award for excellence in their field of expertise through a Kansas based radio station.

During 2007 & 2008 members of Fall.Out joined forces with core band members from other popular local metal acts. All members had different skill sets and personalities which created a unique and diverse playing field for the development of fresh music. The years of experience gained through being involved with various bands of contrasting styles gave the members a chance to develop their musical skills and taste what is involved whilst working in a band. In 2008 it was decided that the heart of every member involved in this project lay in the future of their work together and This is Turin was conceived.

This is Turin is a concept that has a focus on musical progression and stimulating the listeners senses. In a time where extreme music has becomes increasingly saturated with sub-genres and cliché scenes, This is Turin has focused on what is essential for the future of extreme music and that is not only too push the abilities of their performance but their ability to create innovative music with a purpose. It is hard to categorise This is Turin and that is the true essence of the thought process behind the band. There is a firm focus on creating music that holds aesthetics, emotion and ability to keep the listener interested throughout.

The band has already laid down the foundations of their future within extreme music. Alongside a series of mini tours across the country that included festival appearances, the band has also started to grasp the attention of their public & peers. The band convincingly won ‘Post-mortem Manchester’ which was a competition set out to find Manchester’s finest unsigned metal act. The band won with an impressive 54% of the public vote. The band also won the finals of ‘MCN live! 2008’ which was a competition including 8 of the UK’s finest unsigned acts compiled by Kerrang. The band won by an “overwhelming” public & judges vote.

This is an expression and passion that has been forged through years of dedication and development. This is a sound that holds raw emotion with a furious under current of feeling that has the capability to transform from relentless aggression and tragedy to prosperity and hope.

This is what we are and where we want to be.


This is Hell


This is Turin