BOOK REVIEW: Jessie May – Money Hacks for Metalheads and Old Millennials


One of the few regrets of my life so far is I never really learned how to handle and invest money. While I squarely blame myself for my misspent youth and years when I made higher salaries and still failed to save, I have to wonder why they don’t teach personal finance in High School, as opposed to say, calculus most of us will never use after that semester is over. Even in my long-run at undergrad and graduate school to earn multiple degrees, no one explained to me how much my student loans would dwarf my expenses and even salary in some years. All the while during this time, I played in middling successful bands with a regional following or ran a series of heavy metal websites for the last 15 years. Do we abandon all hope, ye who goes to the ATM to see a negative balance? Or is there a hero coming out of the dark to demystify the seemingly impossible Mount Doom-style odds against working-class musicians? 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Vestal Claret – Vestal Claret 


While a self-titled album often serves as a summary of an artist’s particular style, Vestal Claret’s third full-length is unlike anything else they’ve done before. The Doom Metal that defined the occult collective’s past efforts has been completely phased out in favor of a subdued presentation that is somewhere between Folk and introspective Psych Rock. An esoteric aura still wafts with vocalist Phil Swanson (Hour of 13, Sumerlands) offering his signature mournful, nasally wail, but the vibe has more in common with Hexvessel or Sabbath Assembly than Pagan Altar.Continue reading


Dumb and Dumbest Episode #348: Jessie Of Alternative Control Returns!


Time Management is one of those things that one tends to overlook but can be a huge workflow suck if you are not mindful of it. Jessie May (Alternative Control blog, Owlmaker, Turkey Vulture) joins Keefy and Curtis to discuss her take on getting organized and getting stuff done! Check out Dumb and Dumbest Episode #348: Jessie Of Alternative Control Returns! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR) and Keith Chachkes (Ghost Cult/BDWE Media). In addition to the podcast, Matt, Curtis, and Keith all host The Music Marketing Challenges: low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists.  And we just launched a Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! DM Matt or Curtis at the links below for detailsContinue reading


Turkey Vulture – Boxer


I am from the big, big city (New York) and have never really been a small town type of guy. Sure, I lived in a podunk in New Hampshire for a year which was pretty isolated and anxiety-inducing in its own way. That being said I have no earthly idea what a Turkey Vulture is. Maybe it’s like the psychotic and scary Fisher Cat I heard so much about and never saw up North. Well I looked it up, they kind of look like the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal, is protected by federal law, (thanks Wikipedia) and found out it is a very real, mean ass bird, that is a scavenger (not a shock), but also feeds on the dead. So we are talking one serious bird. Turkey Vulture the band, is also very serious.Continue reading


EXCLUSIVE STREAM: Turkey Vulture – “Boxer” Single


Connecticut’s dynamic duo, Turkey Vulture, a side-project of the excellent Owl Maker band. Continuing the winged avian theme, Turkey Vulture is a politically-charged amalgam of Punk, Metal, Alternative, and Americana in a big ole badass musical stew. The centerpiece of the single is the title track ‘Boxer’, but you will stay for the amazing Dolly Parton meets punk rock cover of ‘Jolene’. The single is out tomorrow and those that purchase on Bandcamp will get the hilarious bonus track, ‘Bee Avenger’! Stream it now!Continue reading


Dumb And Dumbest 101: Interview With Jessie May from Alternative Control and Owl Maker on Feminism



For Alternative Control boss and Owl Maker member Jessie May, her passion about feminism and #metoo is not a movement, it’s part of her life, and has shaped her experience in music. Dumb and Dumbest Podcast #101 is streaming right now, and it’s an Interview With Jessie May from Alternative Control and Owl Maker on FeminismDumb and Dumbest is a music industry podcast hosted by music executive Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions) and Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR).  Continue reading


GUEST POST: Chris Anderson of Owl Maker – Top Albums Of 2018


With another Guest Post on tap, it’s time to share more of these End of Year lists from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the globe. Chris Anderson of psychedelic Stoner Rock band Owl Maker released their excellent new EP Sky Road earlier this fall. Check out Chris’ Top 10 albums of 2018, in no particular order.Continue reading


Owl Maker – Sky Road EP


Since the release of debut EP Paths of the Slain earlier this year, Connecticut trio Owl Maker – named after a Lakotan crone goddess, no less – have been gaining praise for their hard-hitting Blues Rock, and latest EP Sky Road (self-released) further whets the appetite for a full-length attempt.Continue reading