SOME FEAR NONE’S SOPHOMORE ALBUM SETS THE STAGE FOR EXCITING THINGS TO COME

Some Fear None

Photos by Dan McGlade | Seething Studios

Alive and Well

Earlier this year, Gene Simmons of KISS proclaimed, “Rock is dead,” and a massive backlash ensued. Because of the headlines that failed to address the context of his quote, Simmons was consequently vilified by the media.

On many levels, however, he was completely correct. Bands growing up during these times are getting virtually killed by file sharing and the like, and the model for new acts to grow has been eroded.
Sacramento’s Some Fear None, however, have led the charge locally and in neighboring cities to prove Simmons and the many naysayers here dead wrong. Through hard work, perseverance and a lot of sweat and tears, they have shown other striving local acts that a great band can come together and rise above. Furthermore, they are proof positive that people will pay to hear and see quality music when it’s done with heart and gusto.

For the uninitiated, Some Fear None is a hard rock band featuring Nathan Giguiere (vocals/guitar), Charles Carrasco (guitar), Jason Weisker (drums), and Gina Salatino (bass/guitar). And while the current lineup took several years to find its stride, the band is now firing on all cylinders and making one of the most ambitious moves a local band can take: headlining the 900-capacity Ace of Spades.

While the band’s influences are far reaching—they love everything from Deftones to Foo Fighters, Far to Alice in Chains, Tool to Soundgarden, Tremonti to Helmet—their sound is definitely radio-friendly, harmony-driven hard rock fare that would work well in rotation on 98 Rock or any like-minded station across the United States.

Unlike the thousands of Sacramento bands who play far too often, Some Fear None practice the “less is more” mentality and know how to properly set up a local show for maximum effect. As evidenced at their selection of support slots for national acts and, of course, their own headlining shows, their live shows are major events.

Frontman Nathan Giguiere took some time out of his busy schedule to shed some light on the band’s new release To Live and to Die and their pending CD release show on Aug. 1, 2015.

How did you come to join the band? I had never heard your name previous to joining Some Fear None.
What’s interesting about me is that I really had no part of the music scene or industry before joining the band. I didn’t even have any music to send them for the audition. I simply said, “Look, I want to do this and, at the very least, trying out for the band is something that is very important to me.” The band advertised on Craigslist for a singer, and I went there to see what was going on in the scene and to be basically be a fly on the wall so I could learn the ins and outs of being with other guys in a band setting. I replied to their return message letting them know that writing was my strong suit and to send me three songs, and I will provide the vocals and lyrics. I guess it worked because here I am. I had no training formally but I sang in my church choir my entire life beforehand.

So when did the band Some Fear None come to fruition?
Some Fear None was originally formed in 2010 and played five or six shows. I auditioned in the summer of 2011 after the band had broken up since the bassist and second guitarist had just left. They called me back for what I thought was my second audition and then told me they were breaking up. “We want to be straight with you, we have no band and would love to play with you. If you’re in, all we need to do is find a space, find a bassist and guitarist.” I told them I could play guitar and we immediately started auditioning bassists and eventually found Sean Navine; who played around four shows but soon left due to personal issues. After we parted ways, we decided to let Gina, my sister-in-law and guitar tech, get a shot. She was friends with me for years and was actually a guitarist that knew how to play bass and became even better over time. She’s a monster player and ended up joining the band after filling in for a couple of shows. After she bought her own bass rig, it was obvious she was serious. She joined in November 2011 and has been here since.

What was the band called before that?
Snapdraggin. It had two of the members, Chuck and Jason, from Some Fear None. They previously had a singer that didn’t work out for whatever reason. I simply said I didn’t want to hear what he’s done before since I had my own ideas and needed to prove myself. Snapdraggin, believe it or not, was close to being signed but they had a massive falling out which I would rather not go into.

Exactly how long did To Live and to Die take to write and record?
It basically took two years. We released Break Fold and Elevate, our first CD in May [2013] and did a CD release show. 98 Rock put us on Local Licks and that eventually helped us land a slot on the Sac Town Rocks show in June 2014 at the Capitol Mall with Tesla and Oleander. We played third of five on the local band stage and had a great response. The new single is called “Wave,” and we’re pushing that right now.

So you’ve been basically living and dying promoting the shit out of this show at Ace of Spades. Why such a big room and why not The Boardwalk or another smaller venue?
First off, I need to mention that Eric Rushing [Ace of Spades talent buyer] gave us our big break. What I most respect about him is that he has trusted me ever since we started working together. A couple of years ago Eric said, “You put a good lineup together, and we’ll do it” without really thinking twice. On May 4, 2013, we headlined Ace of Spades and drew over 700 people and definitely proved ourselves worthy of the room. Of course, now we have a new album and the pressure is even greater. However, we’ve been pushing this show for a bit. I work well on deadline and so does my band. Once you have a CD release show on the books, it makes everyone work to get the artwork done, the music produced, and have the show properly promoted.

Is everybody involved in the songwriting process these days or have you taken over?
Yeah, everybody contributes, and it’s definitely a group effort. Of course, I write all my own lyrics and tell the stories but the initial songwriting comes from who brings the riffs or songs in. I’ve made a point to remove myself and write lyrics alone after the music is pretty much done. Every lyric I write is the result of how the music makes me feel and is usually about an experience that I’ve personally had. I use the song as the backdrop.
We’ve been rather deliberate with the songs we chose for the new record. When we play live these days as well, we have dropped all the earlier songs in the band but one song called “Exit Wound,” which was reworked for greater effect.

Why use an expensive well known name like Howie Weinberg to master your album?
Only a year ago I recognized that as amazing as we’d like to think we are, there are a million other bands thinking the same. The only thing separating us from the others was what we put into the album to make it better. We had a band meeting and talked about where the band was at. We then signed a short-term management company contract to have someone help connect us with the right people. The Inner Light Agency suggested Howie and he did our album for only $200 a track. We had no relationships outside of here and had always been the red-headed stepchild in the Sacramento scene that had to earn everything. Simply put, we are the guys who have done our dirty work and it’s been a long, hard road to get where we are.

What are some of your favorite markets to play these days and why?
We have tried to trade shows with other bands in other markets, but they have always failed us and not delivered a return show. It’s so much work to set up a trade, and we don’t have the time nor energy to track down bands who owe us a show favor. We need to work on getting out of town. We religiously rehearse two times a week and for every one show in town we play three out of town. With the release of our sophomore album To Live and to Die, we have set our sights on the West Coast and expanding into new markets. These are places where our fanbase is small but notable but there are requests growing to play cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Spokane, Portland and more. In 2016 we will be focused on the promotion of the new album by heading out on several mini-tours in support of it.

Do you have some outtakes that will be released on a later EP?
We recorded 14 songs. Eventually, the plan is to release a single for one of the extras called “Driver” that will have an accompanying video. The new album has 12 songs.

Is your end goal to get a record deal or is the band simply concentrating on building a fanbase?
A little of both. We’ve had a couple of indie label offers but my end goal is not to be signed. We’re not desperate to find anyone yet. We are constantly looking to diversify our portfolio and get ourselves seen by as many people as possible. The moment of musical euphoria is just as important to the audience member as it is to us and music is our vehicle to help deliver it.

See Some Fear None celebrate their new CD To Live and Die on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at Ace Of Spades in Sacramento. Also on the bill are Black Map, Sages, Control and Heat of Damage. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased at Aceofspadessac.com. For more info on Some Fear None, visit Facebook.com/somefearnone.

(Submerge)

Not foolin’ around. After half a century of playing music, Elvin Bishop is still tearin’ it up.

Elvin Bishop

Elvin Bishop performs tonight, July 23, 8 p.m., at Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

Tickets: $20-$25

Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

3 Alverda Drive, Oroville

533-3885

www.featherfallscasino.com

Elvin Bishop has been playing music professionally for more than 50 years. The 72-year-old blues/rock guitarist/songwriter got his start in 1963 playing with famed harmonica player/bandleader Paul Butterfield; he scored a top-10 hit (“Fooled Around and Fell in Love”) in 1976 and he’s continued to record and tour regularly ever since. This past spring, Bishop was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Butterfield’s band, and his latest album, 2014’s Can’t Even Do Wrong Right—a gritty collection of workingman’s roadhouse blues mixed with lively R&B—won best album at the 2015 Blues Music Awards. (Bishop also took home Best Song for the title track, and—with his group—Best Band.)

The CN&R caught up with the busy musician to discuss his life of music as he prepared to visit Oroville with his band for tonight’s show at Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.

Are you working on a follow-up for Can’t Even Do Wrong Right?

I’m sort of in the process of writing tunes for the next one. Basically, when the songs come, I start writing. I don’t really have a process for it. Most of my songs are written in the studio. I try not to limit myself unnecessarily but in the end it’s sort of my goal to do things this way.

How many shows are you and the band playing these days?

We fly out and play just about every weekend, and this schedule is really working for us. We’re doing Edmonton’s Blues Festival and another in Canada [the Summertime Blues Fest] in addition to playing around the Bay Area. We’re even playing a festival in Poland [Rawa Blues] in October. If the money’s right, we do it. These days I take the gigs that can take care of the band.

Do you think you could you make a living simply by licensing “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”?

Pretty much. The one smart thing I did was hold on to my own publishing at an early age. You know, record labels traditionally would collect your publishing money, then give a portion to the publishing house, and then it would finally go to you. It always just seemed like just one more way to get screwed, and I wasn’t having none of that. I’ve been writing songs for over 50 years and my mailbox is usually pretty full because of it.

Any advice for the newer artists who are just starting to release records and tour?

Truthfully, I feel sorry for the young guys coming up. These record labels want a piece of everything you make, from merchandise to publishing to whatever else they can get. There aren’t nearly the amount of clubs around as when I started playing out. I’d say just keep playing wherever and whenever you can.

There’s often a negative stereotype attached to bands that play casino gigs, but those venues usually pay better and draw a bigger crowd. How do you feel about that stigma?

I don’t give a fuck. I’ll play any damn where we can get our foot in the door as long as the checks clear. I know what I’m supposed to be doing and know how to do it. Of course, it’s a little more fun playing for people in a small club since they’re right in front of you, but really the venue I play doesn’t matter so much. I’ve got a great band behind me, including Ed Earley [trombone/percussion], who’s been with me for over 25 years, and it’s one of the best feelings in life to play out live.

With such a huge catalog of music, how do you go about choosing a set list?

I really follow the crowd these days and react to the situation. You want people to hear enough of the new ones, but then they get upset they haven’t heard enough of the old ones. Then you get the folks who hear the old ones and tell their friends that “Elvin played the same ol’ shit again.” Sometimes you can’t win. You really just want to get up on stage and nail that shit and leave ’em wanting more. I think we do a good job of that.

(CN&R)

Eight Gigs: Profound Sound Benefit

Mon., July 27, 8 p.m., Cafe Colonial, donations requested

“Profound Sound was burglarized on June 1and there are expenses that must be paid for our customers’ stolen equipment,” says Joey Cline, owner of music-gear shop Profound Sound Midtown. “We know stuff is just stuff, but it was other people’s stuff that was stolen that we are concerned about and want to pay for.” Thankfully, local musician Charles Albright (pictured) has lined up a benefit show to help raise funds for the stolen gear, says Cline. “He has pulled together a homogeneous mix of talent all putting out some effort for Profound Sound Midtown and we really appreciate it!” Charles Albright, Cross Class, Death Rogen, Shut Up Stupid and Elder Youth perform. 3520 Stockton Boulevard, www.facebook.com/
charlesalbrightcharlesalbright
.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Todd Rundgren

Wed., July 29, 8 p.m., Center for the Arts, $37-$47

Although most folks know Sir Todd Rundgren for “Hello, It’s Me” and nothing more, there are legions of fans who have followed this ever-changing artist into whatever musical territory he chooses. Rundgren is now 67 years old and still releases new records; his fabulous 25th studio album, Global, came out in early April 2015. To say Rundgren is ambitious on the live front would be an understatement since he delivers with remarkable ease whether playing solo or with a full live band. If you’ve never experienced him live, be prepared for a varied set list that is sure to please both die-hard fans and newbies alike. 314 West Main Street in Grass Valley, www.facebook.com/toddrundgren.

(SN&R)

Sacramento Japanese Film Festival

Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19

This year’s festival will feature seven Japanese films over the course of three days. If you’re looking for a respite from the heat and would love to enjoy some fine Japanese films, this year’s lineup wins above anything else this weekend. On the menu are Like Father, Like SonI Was Born, But …The Tale of The Princess KaguyaPecoross’ Mother and Her Days and Unforgiven to name but a few. $10 per screening, various times at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street; www.sacjapanesefilmfestival.net.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Northern American

Thurs., July 23, 9 p.m., Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, $5

Touring these days is hard for an indie band. Not only are transportation costs high, finding a place to lay your head for a couple of hours is also daunting. Luckily, Los Angeles’ Northern American is on a West Coast tour anyway—promoting its fantastic new album Modern Phenomena which features some near perfect pop ditties. Check out the dreamy and ethereal “Somewhere Out There” or even the album’s strongest track, “Strange Behavior,” which shuffles and soars with its blissful harmonies and Brit-pop leanings. Fans of Travis, Kent or anything close will adore what they hear. Also on the bill are Social Studies and Spectacular Spectacular. 129 E Street, Suite E, in Davis; www.facebook.com/NorthernAmerican.

(SN&R)

Hair and Fashion Battle

Saturday, July 18

This event will feature a plethora of talented individuals in an artistic battle. Come root for your favorite hairstyle, makeup or fashion statement. There will be many vendors on hand showing off and selling their wares and it’s a great way to find that new hairstylist you’ve been looking for. If there was ever a trade show worth attending for stylists, fashion and makeup experts—and customers alike—this would be it. $30-$125, 5 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street, www.hairandfashionbattle.com.

(SN&R)

Darkness is as darkness does

The river’s edge: If you’ve never made the brief sojourn down the Garden Highway to visit Swabbie’s Restaurant & Bar (5871 Garden Highway) for an outdoor concert, you still have time this summer. This wonderful little restaurant and bar—one of the area’s worst-kept secrets— is located right along the Sacramento River and hosts some of the best local and regional tribute acts.

Last Saturday’s soiree was no exception as Riff Raff (an AC/DC tribute band), Whoville (a Who tribute band) and the particularly fun sidestage act Two20 (a band that pays tribute to modern rock from the ’80s and ’90s) certainly delivered the goods.

Whoville singer Jeffry-Wynne Prince donned a British flag shirt and got the crowd front and center for most of the set. And although the band was distracted by a couple of technical difficulties, most in attendance didn’t notice any inconsistencies. In true rock ’n’ roll fashion, Whoville brushed it off.

The night’s headliner Riff Raff has been a staple on the Swabbie’s calendar for quite some time and for very good reason. Not only does singer Mike Barnes book the talent at the riverside venue, but he does a great job delivering Bon Scott and Brian Johnson classics.

From the opening notes of “Bad Boy Boogie” through to Johnson-era classics like “Have A Drink On Me” and “Hell’s Bells,” the band exhibited no shortage of enthusiasm. As the able rhythm section held it together, lead guitarist David Chapman worked the large outdoor crowd into a frenzy, aping every cool Angus Young move and then some.

Chapman, who also played with AC/DZ, is known by nearly every working tribute act on the scene for not only being a cool, easygoing dude, but a helluva showman. And while he spent most of the night standing on tables and sitting on fans while playing guitar, his antics left nearly everyone in the crowd smiling.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Scouse Gits

Sat., July 18, 9 p.m., The Hideaway Bar & Grill, $8

The Scouse Gits, which feature some of the area’s most talented dirty rock and blues purveyors, are back to separate the men from the boys. If you’re into smart, lo-fi fare and want to see ’em at a venue best suited for their style, this one is a win-win. Take a listen to the blues-driven “Anytime” from their unreleased demo on YouTube or watch one of the few full shows they’ve released. Also featured on this wonderfully crafted bill are Drive-Thru Mystics (celebrating their third anniversary), San Kazakgascar and Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage’s Tim Matranga, who has a better record collection than everyone reading this combined. 2565 Franklin Boulevard, www.facebook.com/SactoHideaway.

(SN&R)