MAGAZINE33: The Launch Party at Emilio’s
Four Stellar Acts Ring in a New Era of Rock & Roll Literature.

     The lights began to flicker, which so solemnly signified last call, and like so many last calls before, reality began to sink its dreadful fangs into my free spirit as if it were imperative to be awakened from the groovy trance I was being so effortlessly sucked into. Now I was forced to acknowledge such peevish obligations as paying my tab and attempting to calculate how hung over I was doomed to be in the morning. Thank God my girlfriend was sober so I could avoid the whole transportation conundrum that too often leads to over-confident derelicts making poor choices. I was in no position, or mood for that matter, to make any choices at all. I just wanted to rock all night long until I passed out on the floor. Why is that too much to ask?  Former Champions were hitting it hard, transitioning from one jam to another so seamlessly, that toward the end of the set, countless agreeable rhythms were reminiscent of that common tangent that takes place in a conversation that has you ask your peer, “What were we just talking about and how did it lead to this?” And then, just as I was about to give in to the depressing reality of the party’s close, just when I thought the night was maxed out like a credit card when you need it most, they belted out one of the best covers of “L.A. Woman” I’d ever heard….

     Magazine33 vows to have the chops to undoubtedly secure its niche as one of the new influential music publications of the next generation. The style in which this magazine is structured to embellish in the country’s independent music industry is unlike any other publication that boasts a similar stance. From in-depth features that focus on bands and musicians from a slew of genres, to full coverage of local events and events abroad, be prepared to have your finger on the pulse of an exciting new music industry that’s eager to explode.  With such excitement surrounding this new project, it was only appropriate to celebrate the premier issue with a rockin’ launch party. 
     For me the night started early. I of course had to make a few of my usual rounds before I got to the Magazine33 Launch Party, for arriving at the main event  fueled with anything less than super-charged energy and high spirits would be poppycock. I like to hit the ground running, if you know what I mean. By eight-thirty we waltzed in through the Emilio’s entrance half-buzzed, half ambitious, curious as to what kind of party this was going to turn into. After mingling with the magazine staff and ironing out a few worthy business-mannered chats, it was time for some live music to give this event the jolt that it needed.
     Brand New Groovement opened with a reggae constructed blend of jazz and fusion, seasoned with a hip hop-influenced lyrical flow that managed to fulfill all the required energy needed to set a party off. I at first found myself baffled by the flamboyant frat boyish approach to what seemed like an interpretive dance the lead singer, Percy Soul, was manifesting before the crowd. But it wasn’t before long I began to realize that his twisting torso and animated antics became the straw that stirred the band’s drink, for he was the catalyst to all energy that was created by the ensemble. Sharing the stage was Roberto Curtis on the saxophone, an instrumental sensation. Showcasing a EWI [Electric Wind Instrument], members of the crowd were clueless to what exactly his toy was. It sounded like a sax and it was obviously electric, but its unfamiliar appearance and operation quickly became the gossip within the crowd.  Nevertheless, it made for a flashy solo. Curtis nonchalantly slid up and down his scales as the band’s thick following cavorted across the dance floor.
     The lone Danny Plotnik took to the stage as the second act of the night. It’s never an effortless task for one man with an acoustic guitar and kazoo to follow a seven piece outfit. I felt bad for the poor guy when he walked up there alone. It looked like he was set up for failure. But I quickly learned the truth. His stage presence was larger than he was. A dose of humor and charm won him the crowd with ease. He played your typical college bar music—little ditties about drinking beer and acoustic medleys of old rap songs [“Whoomp! There It Is,” “Ice Ice Baby,” “Baby Got Back,” etc.]. Nothing fancy nor original, but it needn’t be because it was solid and it moved right along at an attention-maintaining pace. My personal favorite was his humorous yet convincing take on Louis Armstrong’s vocal range in a rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”  You could sense Plotnik knew exactly what he was doing up there and knew he did it well. Because if that wasn’t the case, there’s no chance he would be up there at all. End of story.
     Transitioning from a solo acoustic set to a Queens of the Stone Age-inspired rock show exposed the type of patchwork that is symbolic of Magazine33 in and of itself. Bad Motivator came to Emilio’s with one goal in mind: blow everyone’s eardrums out. Matt Sthreshley, the band’s lead singer [who graciously helped organize the event] couldn’t even hold back the childish grin from his face when he warned us of their loud ambitions. By the end of the first song, I was surprised [and a little disappointed] that every ear in the building wasn’t oozing with blood. The lively front man struck his guitar with sociopathic desperation while he slung himself around the stage like a junkie in need of his fix. Let’s get this guy a bigger stage already. You never saw Angus Young pinned up against a wall did you? Pete Townshend? You know what he would do. It’s inhumane. I was anxiously anticipating the moment he would accidentally kick the mic stand over, or better yet, the drummer. Amazingly, he had enough composure to rock out confined to a 4X4 slot without destroying everything. I loved how loud they were, and even more so, I loved the classic structure to their rock & roll.
     Former Champions stepped up to the plate next to earn their crown back as the final act of the evening. The electronic induced jam band delved into a well-ordered set with enough variables to constitute an algebraic equation. All the musicians complemented one another, however individually rising to the occasion when called upon for their respective moments. Spacey sound effects were summoned stage left, while the drums and guitar played in unison. Calm baselines transfused the cosmic vibe from the band to the crowd and an effervescent aura lingered like an orange sunset before the stage. It was toxic and addictive. We wanted more, but time was no friend and the night met its end after their spectacular interpretation of “L.A. Woman” served as the grand finale of the storied Magazine33 Launch Party.

Performing Bands:

Brand New Groovement

Danny Plotnik

Bad Motivator

The Former Champs

By Author and VP: Ben Cokeley

Ben was born in Pittsburgh during the summer of 1983 (the year Roxy Music disbanded). He has since inhabited Chicago, New York, and several Virginian cities including Richmond, where he prefers to spend the majority of his time. His interest in music sparked at age three when he began taking piano lessons. A passion for theatre and film would soon follow; he was known for acting in high school and college productions while focusing on the independent film scene in Richmond. Nowadays, you’re likely to catch him at a bar in the Fan or commuting to Fredericksburg where he works as a high school teacher/behavior specialist. Ben enjoys a variety of music, some long-time favorite musicians/bands include: Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Doors, The Isley Brothers, Buddy Guy, Tom Petty, David Bowie, and George Clinton.

Comments(1):

1. Solid.

   Solid article man. Good meeting you the other night at The Camel.

   Wednesday, October 21, 2009 S. Preston