All IV-I, I-IV All
It’s time for a lesson in music theory. Don’t worry, we’ll start slow. Today we’ll be discussing the plagal cadence in rock and roll.
A plagal cadence is just a cadence from the IV (subdominant) chord to the I (tonic) chord. It’s my favorite kind of cadence, and it’s probably best known as the “amen” at the end of every Anglican hymn. If you have a guitar or a piano lying around, you can make your own plagal cadence at home. First, play a D major chord. That’s your tonic. Then play a G major chord—the subdominant chord in D major. Now play a D major chord again. Doesn’t that feel good? Ohhhh yeeeaaah, that’s the raw groin-tingling power of the I and IV chords.
Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite songs that rely heavily on the I and IV chords. There’s no hierarchy to this list, and my point is mainly to illustrate how many diverse things different bands can do with the same two chords. If you don’t have all these albums, most of these songs are youtube- or myspace-able. Or I guess you could just go out and buy some goddamn CDs.
Spaced-land: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Cheap Concert Tix
Last week I went to the Hollywood Palladium for the first and last time. Security there was obtuse and overzealous. If you were to leave the floor for a refreshing bathroom break or a totally different yet equally refreshing Bud Light you were not allowed back on the floor. This led to a devolution of the bloc party party fan base. People, present company included, were doing the confused cave man gallop from the beer line back to the floor. You know the drill: head down, staring blankly into the distance, slouched shoulders, confused and unable to communicate as the exasperated security goons tries to stop you…that is until you blend into the crowd. After that he’s rendered powerless. A sea of rock Neanderthals. It was an embarrassingly juvenile tactic but when your liver and bladder are constantly calling, you have to answer. It was a great show, but i decided that night that I would never go back….only making an exception for when the Explosions in the Sky play there.
So how does this tirade relate to the Heartless Bastards? Glad you asked. They are playing tonight at my very favorite LA venue, Spaceland. I love that place. There are countless reasons why it is the bizzaro Palladium:
Cheap a*s tickets. Tonight you can the Heartless Bastards for $12 and on Thursday you can see Casxio for $8!. Compare those prices against the usual $10 Ticketmaster surcharges tacked on to your typical venue’s tickets. Steal City.
They serve PBR, Hipster’s lifewater. Cheap beer and Cheap tickets in this economy are a welcome change.
Speaking of hipsters: It’s not too often where you can walk into a bar/club and feel like I am the toughest person in the room. You can at Spaceland. The frail vegan dudes would crumble under your beer muscles…and their friends would be powerless to stop them as their tight hipster jeans render them immobile.
Size: the place doesn’t hold that many people so you know you’re going to be right in the thick of things. I’ve seen Albert Hammond Jr, Friendly Fires, and White Denim there and they’ve all been great shows. 300 people tops.
About Heartless Bastards: This is a huge intentional change of pace from the synth love fest of 2009. Discovered by the Black Keys and signed to their label, which makes sense as they share a similar low-fi bluesy sound. Luckily for the Black Keys they were never stuck with the unmatchable comparison of Janis Joplin and Patti Smith when they came out. Heartless Bastards, you were not so lucky. Definitely a throwback, almost worthy of the comparisons. According to the lead singer the name of the band comes from a question on a Mega Touch trivia quiz game at a bar. A question asked the name of Tom Petty’s backing band, and one of the options was “Tom Petty and the Heartless Bastards.” She thought it was funny, and used it when she later formed a band. I’d love to pick my band name that way…but I play Erotic Photo Hunt. I think the name “Coke Whore Spread Eagle” would be strike one in getting my band to break into the top 40. My inability to play an instrument that’s not plugged into a ps3 would be the second strike.
Highlights: “Into the Open,” “I Swallowed a Dragonfly,” “Brazen”
About Casxio: I can only judge from the four songs on their EP, but four songs is all i need. I’m sold. If these four songs are any indication of how kickass the show will be I’m suggesting you get your tickets now. It’s rare to pay such a low price for such a soulful dance party. If you want to get in on Thursday for $5 send an email to info@casxio.com and they’ll hook you up. I’m guessing after you hear them rock out on “Counting Squares” you’ll be more than willing to pony up that Lincoln.
I’ll see you there. I’ll be the Alpha male mean mugging at all the hipsters in their day glow sweat shirts and skinny jeans.
Highlights: “Counting Squares”, “Seventeen”
download their ep for free at casxio.com
Deltron 3030 Recommended: Peter Doherty – Grace / Wasteland
I had to take some drastic steps with my pc yesterday. The once fast machine was riddled with spy ware and viruses. After months of putting band-aids on it I finally broke down and went the disaster recovery route. Don’t fret, all of my mp3s were backed up on an external hd. I mention this because Pete Doherty is the musical version of my pc. After the promise of The Libertines’ great album Up the Bracket he spiraled out of control w/ heroin and became a cracked out paparazi side show. The hope now is that the countless trips to jail and rehab are now over and a new found recovery period will be found with the release of this mostly acoustic solo album. The fact that the song “1939 Returning” was originally planned to be a duet with Amy Winehouse is a bit worrisome. “Let’s put two junkies in a room together and see what happens!”. Luckily that pairing never came to fruition. Putting the kibosh on that and going from “Pete” to “Peter” is proof positive of a new sense of maturity…or he just didn’t want Winehouse sucking up all of his smack. Time will tell if this will be a true disaster recovery or if instead people will continue to say “what a f*cking waster“.
Highlights: “Last of the English Roses”, “1939 Returning”, “Broken Love Song”
My Music. You Listen to It- Meet Composer/Producer Jordan Rippe
Composer Jordan Rippe, who also splits time working as a Producer (currently pumping up “The Trash Bats”), began studying trumpet in the fifth grade thanks to a cousin later moving on to studying jazz, which carried through to college. Through this video interview and the Q&A, Jordan gives us an insider’s look into the mind and the processes of a composer. Visit www.myspace.com/jordanrippe for more information on Jordan.
all photos by Jessy Plume/ video by Byron Turk
TRAFFIK: What led you down this path?
JORDAN RIPPE: Whether rock, classical, or jazz, I found that music fulfilled different elements of life to me, all independently and uniquely. When I left for Philadelphia to study at the University of the Arts, I was dead set on being the next Clifford Brown, or John Swana, but…with independence, maturity, exposure discovered that a “brass only” life was limiting.
A Difference. I Make It. – Women In Action Sports – Upcoming Event April 22nd
Women in Action Sports (WIAS), a business organization dedicated to professional female athletes and business entrepreneurs in the Action Sports industry will host its first event at the Swiv Tackle Circus Gallery in Oceanside on April 22, 2009 from 7 to 9:30pm.
Launched in November of 2008 by Espree Devora, founder of ZexSports.com and Caroline Graeff, founder of Imagine Marketing Agency (iMa), WIAS’ mission is to provide a platform for women athletes and entrepreneurs to engage, prosper and accomplish individual business goals in the male-dominated industry of action sports.
“Women have been proving that not only they can skate, snowboard and surf, they can also help revolutionize these sports and the industry on a business level. Considering the daily challenges we face in the industry whether as an athlete or as a business woman, it made sense for Espree and I to start this type of group and gather all of us to share our experience, knowledge, ambition and more importantly our passion” explains Caroline Graeff, President at iMa, an action sports marketing and PR firm.
“Being a woman business owner in action sports and dealing with technology I notice often I am one of the few females present at conferences, seminars and events. It always felt like somehow I snuck into the All Boys Club, they let me stay and I was flattered. But when I reflected back on the reasons for my success it occurred to me that most of the doors of opportunity were open for me by women. I hope that everyone finds a safe haven in the Women In Action Sports Group to learn from, grow with and be inspired” explains Espree Devora, Owner of Zexsports.com.
Begin networking with professionals from 7 to 8pm while enjoying finger foods and refreshments. A panel discussion with guest speakers, Shaney Joe Darden from Keep-a-Breast Foundation, Alex Masterson from Bitchboards, Espree Devora from Zexsports.com, and Holly Lyons from Sk8grl among others will open at 8pm. We will also be raising funds onsite for Keep A Breast through the presence of the attendees. Visit www.wiasbiz.wordpress.com/happenings for updates, expansions and membership information.
To become a member click here
For additional Information, visit: www.wiasbiz.wordpress.com
Style. I Make It. – Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘Em Think You’re A Rockstar! – Nicolina Royale
“Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘em Think You’re a Rockstar!” – photo by Jessy Plume
Accessories Designer Nicolina Royale talks about her highly coveted Accessories line
TRAffIK: Where are you from originally?
NR: Minneapolis, MN
TRAffIK: How did you first begin designing jewelry? What led you to begin doing this?
NR: Well, when I was little if you asked me what I wanted to do I’d say, “ I want to make stuff!”
I have always been artsy – I started to make Guitar pick stuff because, I did not like anything that was on the market. Then a friend of mine said He wanted guitar pick cufflinks… I made them …grew a client list and Bloomingdales saw them (found me) and here I am 5 years later in 10 stores! WooHoo!
TRAffIK: How would you describe the look/style of your pieces?
NR: Dirty Rocker –For men and Dirty Rocker mixed with feminine details for Chicks
TRAffIK: How would you describe your own individual style?
NR: I am always in Black!! And I definitely have a Rocker flair, but I always mix in classic pieces – and Hot Sexy Shoes…
TRAffIK: Where does your inspiration come from? How does each piece come together?
NR: I find inspiration all over – from places I travel – Street fashion. A lot of the time I get an idea in my while i’m sleeping and get up to start to make it….I keep artist creative hours…most of the time 
TRAffIK: Your tagline is “Life Is An Illusion, Let ‘Em Think You’re A Rockstar,” where did that come from?
NR: That has been my personal motto for quite some time – LA is the land of illusions- you can portray any image you want! And I always wanted to be a rockstar – so…i went with it – I think it’s workin’…..hehehe
TRAffIK: What type of people wear Nicolina Royale accessories? Where might we have seen your pieces before?
NR:Rockstars! Agents, Accountants, Soccer Moms and Little Rockers – Tommy Lee has my Sterling Drumstick Necklace – he wore in Playboy March ’09 and a Cro Ring he wore to the AMAs this year! Matt Sorum always wears my alternative stud cuff all the time- he even wore it while bowling with ZZ Top!! Cuba Gooding Jr., Ravi Drums from “Howie Do it”, Andie MacDowell, Dream, Mike Huckabee (former Presidential Candidate!) Janice Dickenson….and more
NR:
Well, can’t tell my secrets….lol ……I do go crocodile hunting though!TRAffIK: Do you create custom pieces?
NR: I do…I love doing Custom Work – I made a pair of Crocodile Air Jordans for Ravi Drums…to wear when he performs – I also do custom pieces with Diamonds!
TRAffIK: Do you have a favorite design or piece that you’ve designed to date?
NR: I am in love with my New Zipper Bow!!!
(Zipper Bow Pictured Left in Nicolina’s Favorite way to layer/wear)
TRAffIK: What do you think makes a Rock Star? How do you relate that to your collections?
NR: A Rockstar is anybody, that is doing what they want to do...and wearing what they want to wear – As long as you can pull it off you’re a Rockstar – I think my collection can take an average wardrobe and make it rockin! It can add just a bit of rocker style or you can really go the whole nine yards!
TRAffIK: How would you describe your life in LA? Is there anywhere else that you’d like to live? Why or Why not?
NR: I love my life in LA!!! I work really hard…but I have a lot of fun! I love hitting Hollywood events, having a few drinks at a dive bar or hanging out with my puppy Rocco!! There is always something happening…
TRAffIK: Do you have any favorite places in LA or other cities that you frequent?
NR: Well mostly watering holes!! lol Bar 107, The Rainbow, Three of clubs, Katsuya ( Tuna with Crispy Onions) , The Alleys, The Elmer Boys Compound, a Rock Show, The Mission Cantina ( amazing margaritas) , Delanceys (Rockin Pizza) & any adventure that my girlfriends and I go on!
TRAffIK: What does a good night out consist of for you?
NR: Hanging out with my friends – getting picked up (I don’t Drive at nite) and going anywhere where there’s a good vibe – and Kettle(Kettle One Vodka) & Soda’s! I never make plans – You never know what will come up….Styling a band and getting invited to hang backstage- The best!!!
TRAffIK: What do you think of the style in LA as opposed to other places?
NR: LA style is great….well Hollywood! Santa Monica is a whole other story! I love how the style is mixed- with something kind of dressy with something casual – I love wearing my motorcycle boots with a sundress!
TRAffIK: What do you want people to feel when they receive their Nicolina Royale pieces?
NR: I hope they feel the love- How corny right – but I believe you can feel the handmade quality – and you definitely get a bit of my personal style- since I wear all my own stuff- if its in my line I would and do wear it all the time – I also sell pieces right off my body while out and about- I take credit cards- lol
TRAffIK: Where can people find your collection?
NR: You can find it in 10 Bloomies – San Francisco & NYC (59th St. & Soho) have the largest collections – Zvezda in Santa Monica – She has a collection I made for her store- in Rich Browns and Earth Tones – Also a Store in Aspen coming in July and Australia!!
I would love to live in Australia!!! Well at least a few months out of the year – and why…My Aussies, BBQ’s, Meat Pies and the Rock Scene in Brisbane!! Ohhh…and ‘The Screaming Jets’
If It doesn’t have the Royalty Tag – it isn’t a Nicolina Royale piece!
visit www.nicolinaroyale.com for more info on Nicolina and her accessories line