Interview: Hayden Menzies of METZ

Hazy Eye Music Media is proud to post another interview in a series of interviews I’m currently conducting with some of my favorite artists. This time I was fortunate enough to chat with Hayden Menzies — drummer of the phenomenally talented noise-rock band METZ. METZ recently announced the upcoming release of their fourth full-length album, Atlas Vending. Along with this announcement, the band released a new single and accompanying video for the song, “A Boat to Drown In.”

In this interview Hayden discusses the new album, single and video — and talks about art, drumming, and recording Strange Peace with Steve Albini. Continue reading below for my full interview with Hayden Menzies. All images copyright and courtesy of Sub Pop Records & Oblique Artist Management. Pre-order Atlas Vending on METZ’ Official Website or METZ’ Sub Pop Page. Also check out some of Hayden’s artwork HERE.

Interview: Bill Garman (Concert & Sports Photographer)

Hazy Eye Music Media is proud to announce another interview in a series of interviews I’m currently conducting with some of my favorite concert photographers. I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone and have begun picking the brains of some phenomenal photographers. My interviews in this series focus on concert photographers outside of DC, MD, and VA. Anyway, check it out! I, Andy Jillson, was fortunate enough to interview Bill Garman. Bill is an extremely talented freelance photographer based in Massillon, Ohio. I met him last summer at the Knotfest Roadshow in Burgettstown, PA. Bill is the type of photographer I aspire to be. His work is unique and well, breathtaking.

Bill is not only a great concert photographer— he’s also an amazing sports photographer and shoots Notre Dame football for Irish Sports Daily. His sports photography is equally as impressive as his skills in the photo pit. Continue reading below for my full interview with Bill Garman. All photos copyright and courtesy of Bill Garman.

Interview: Garrett Ficacci of The Gay Agenda

Hazy Eye Music Media is proud to post another interview in a series of interviews I’m currently conducting with some of my favorite artists. I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone and have begun picking the brains of some phenomenal musicians. This time I, Andy Jillson, was fortunate enough to interview Garrett Ficacci of The Gay Agenda.

The Gay Agenda is a “homo riot hardcore punk outfit” from San Diego, CA. According to Ficacci, “The band was the brainchild of David Hurtt from some years ago, wanting to create heavy punk music while being unapologetically, irreverently, and identifiably queer.” They formed in 2017, released a self-titled EP in 2018, and now they’ve released their first full-length album. Their album Penetrating was released in June 2020 via La Escalera Records, preceded by a single for “Homo Riot” featuring Justin Pearson (Locust, Retox, and Dead Cross). Their debut album is provocatively titled Penetrating (and has equally provocative cover art). Continue reading below for my full interview with Garrett Ficacci. All images copyright and courtesy of Becky DiGiglio and The Gay Agenda.

Concert Review: Brad Paisley “Live From The Drive In” Concert Series (Nashville, St. Louis, Indianapolis)

*Brad Paisley @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*

This weekend, Live Nation launched their first ever U.S. drive-in concert series – Live From The Drive In – marking a highly anticipated return to live, in person events in a safe and socially distanced manner. Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Nelly, Jon Pardi, El Monstero, and Yacht Rock Revue kicked off the series with headlining performances across Nashville, St. Louis and Indianapolis over this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Country superstar Brad Paisley headlined the Live Nation U.S. drive-in concert series and sold-out all three stops. The 90 minute concert was filled with career hits such as “Crushin’ It,” “Mud on the Tires,” “American Saturday Night,” “Then,” I’m Still A Guy,” “Ticks,” as well as his current single and fan favorite, “No I In Beer.” Paisley also surprised concert-goers with a special video duet with Carrie Underwood for their smash hit “Remind Me” and an opening comedy set from Kevin Nealon ahead of his performance in Nashville.Continue Reading below for more photos and video recaps of Brad Paisley’s performances from the Live Nation “Live From The Drive In” concert series. All photos and videos copyright and courtesy of Live Nation, Getty Images, and Bieber Public Relations.

Interview: Brad Price (Concert Photographer)

*Cannibal Corpse @ Merriweather Post Pavilion* *(Photo by Brad Price)*

Anyway, check it out! I, Andy Jillson, was fortunate enough to interview Brad Price. Brad is a talented up-and-coming concert photographer and has already covered some great musical artists. Brad loves music, live shows, and all types of photography; and he’s a member of the Hazy Eye Music Media team! Continue reading below for my full interview with Brad Price. All photos copyright and courtesy of Brad Price.

*Gwar @ Rams Head Live (Photo by Brad Price)*

Interview: Derek S. Abrams (3 Headed Snake & Ministry)

Derek S. Abrams

Abrams is an extremely proficient metal drummer. He has been playing since the age of seven, and professionally since the age of fifteen. In high school, he focused on jazz history, theory and composition. After high school, he embarked on an extensive study of world percussion and ethnic drumming. He is most known for being a touring drummer for the pioneering industrial-metal band, Ministry. Continue reading below for my full interview with Derek S. Abrams.

Interview: Nick Sadler (Daughters, Fang Island, Way Out, Mythless)

*Nick Sadler 2018 (Photo by Andy Jillson)*

Sadler is a musical artist most known as the guitarist for experimental rock band Daughters. He has established himself as unique guitar player and intensely passionate and creative musician. Continue reading below for my full interview with Nick Sadler.

Photo Flashback: Cult of Luna w/ Emma Ruth Rundle & Intronaut @ Soundstage 2/29/20 — Baltimore, MD

*Cult of Luna @ Soundstage (Photo by Andy Jillson)*

Cult of Luna headlined a show at Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland on February 29, 2020 — and I, Andy Jillson, was there to capture some of action. This was an interesting lineup and a welcomed mixture of unique artists. Yep, in this “Photo Flashback” we’re taking a trip down memory lane with Cult of Luna, Emma Ruth Rundle, and Intronaut.

*Intronaut @ Soundstage (Photo by Andy Jillson)*

Photo Flashback: The Revivalists @ The Anthem 2/29/20 — Washington, DC

*The Revivalists @ The Anthem (Photo by Marley Hein)*

The Revivalists performed for a sold-out crowd at The Anthem in DC on February 29, 2020 — and Hazy Eye Music Media’s contributor Marley Hein was there doing her thing in the photo pit. This was the first stop on The Revivalists headlining “Into The Stars Tour.” The band is currently touring in support of their 2020 studio album, Made In Muscle Shoals.

*All photos by Marley Hein // All words by Andy Jillson*

Concert Review: Digable Planets @ The Bircmere 2/24/20 — Alexandria, VA

*Digable Planets @ The Birchmere (Photo by Andy Jillson)*

Digable Planets played for a sold out crowd at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on February 24, 2020 — and I, Andy Jillson, was there to capture some of the eclectic performance. This show was sold out for a reason. Digable Planets were awesome! Seriously. Wow. I am extremely fortunate to have obtained a photo pass for this show. I dig, Digable Planets. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson, and all words by Andy Jillson.

CONTINUE READING REVIEW