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.

Album Review: “The Clouds Hill Tapes Part I-III” by Omar Rodríguez-López

This summer continues to see tracks released by multi-Instrumentalist/composer Omar Rodríguez-López (ORL) from his new 3LP vinyl box-set entitled “The Clouds Hill Tapes Parts I-III.” The complete vinyl box-set, which was finally released today July 24th, contains vinyl-only tracks along with the yet to be heard Part III. This vinyl box-set arrives just in time for the summer blues that have been plaguing the party nation. These albums include new recordings of three sessions dating from the years 2018-2019 recorded at the Clouds Hill Studios. Part I features eight pieces, and Part II and III six pieces each. All of these tracks are performed by Omar Rodríguez-López and include a range of guest musicians.

In this album review Hazy Eye Music Media’s contributor Joseph Strand reviews “The Clouds Hill Tapes Part I-III” by Omar Rodríguez-López. ORL is best known as the guitarist and driving force behind At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta; however, this project takes the listener down an alternate path. “Each part is a different path to a different world. Each track a different incantation. Omar Rodríguez-López again shows us what kind of pan-dimensional musical collaborator he is.” Continue reading below for Joseph’s full review.

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: Nelly “Live From The Drive In” @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 7/12/20 — St. Louis, MO

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. Nelly, Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, El Monstero, and Yacht Rock Revue kicked off the series with performances across Nashville, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Country superstar Brad Paisley headlined the Live Nation U.S. drive-in concert series and all three stops were sold out; however, it was a particularly epic night for Nelly and St. Louis hip-hop fans — as Nelly celebrated the 20th anniversary of his album Country Grammar on Sunday at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

In this “photo flashback” we’re taking a trip down memory lane w/ Nelly at the Hollywood Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, MO (St. Louis) on July 12, 2020. Continue Reading below for more photos of Nelly and St. Lunatics from Live Nation’s “Live From The Drive In” concert series. All photos and videos copyright and courtesy of Live Nation, Getty Images, and Bieber Public Relations.

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

*Brad Paisley @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*

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.

Album Review: Inlet by Hum

The reemergence of the band Hum is that of lost astronauts, revisiting the Earth, after over 20 years of flight. Their latest (and possibly greatest ) effort, Inlet, is massive. This is an album that undulates between the hardest and most ethereal they’ve ever been.The landing of this album has been met with a very warm welcome from fans. With the current restraints on live music performance still pending, I’d chalk Hum up to be one of the most anticipated bands to hit any stage in 2021.

In this album review Hazy Eye Music Media’s contributor Joseph Strand reviews Hum’s fifth studio album, Inlet, released on June 23, 2020. “This 8 song album is another opus from Talbott.” Continue reading for Joseph’s full review.

Interview: Max Ruehrmund (Concert Photographer)

*Moonrise Festival in Baltimore (Photo by Max Ruehrmund)*

Anyway, check it out! I, Andy Jillson, was fortunate enough to interview Max Ruehrmund. Max is an extremely talented concert photographer and has covered a wide variety of concerts and music festivals. Max truly loves music and photography, and it shows in his work. All photos copyright and courtesy of Max Ruehrmund.