I've Been Listening to Fountain of Youth, The Subways, and Hot Legs
Fountain of Youth, (Self Titled Demo): When on the road, oftentimes an artist will receive many unsolicited demo CDs from aspiring bands and the like. Most of the time...they are not so good, but I still listen. Mike and I were doing an in-store signing for our amp company at a music store in Birmingham, UK, recently, when we were approached by a 12-year-old kid and his Dad. They gave us a CD in hopes of us having the kid's band, Fountain of Youth open for us on our next trip through...yeah right. We popped in the CD on the bus later that night. These kids are like the new Subways!!! They'll get the gig for sure.
Duff McKagan's column runs every Thursday on Reverb. He writes about what's circulating through his iPod every Monday.
The Subways, "Rock and Roll Queen," (Young For Eternity): Fountain of Youth reminded me of how cool the Subways are. If you don't know them, check out this one song and you will be hooked.
Hot Leg, "Cocktails," (Red Light Fever): A great and cocky (I couldn't resist) English rock band fronted by Justin Hawkins, formerly of the Darkness. Killer song and he says 'cock' six times alone in one chorus!!!
20 comment(s)
mark says:
can't wait to hear Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon was looking for them too.
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 12 2009 @ 11:09PM
zebach says:
(get 'em while they're young)
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 12 2009 @ 11:14PM
AxlReznor says:
I must say I'm disappointed at the lack of a Kylie Minogue review. For now I'll just assume that you haven't had a chance to listen to it.
Fountain Of Youth sound interesting, and I'll look forward to hearing them next time you're in the UK. And I'll be keeping away from Hot Leg, because Justin Hawkins' voice inspires homicidal urges in me. Really... it's quite ugly.
Lately, I've been listening to you guys, and not much else. I've given the new Michael Jackson song a few listens which is ok, but nothing particularly special. I was hoping for something a little bit more up-beat.
If Amazon get their act together with their imports, I could be listening to Joe Perry's new album by the end of the week. Fingers crossed.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 3:27AM
jason says:
Lucky kids, man.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 4:09AM
The Joshinator says:
That's great that you'd be willing to give those kids a shot like that.
When I was 14 and starting to play guitar, I'd play along with Use Your Illusion I, imagining that Slash got sick & I had to fill in for a GnR concert. Imagination...
Opening for you will be a highlight in those kids' lives. Way to go, Duff!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 5:17AM
Dri says:
"Rock and Roll Queen" is on mine too! :)
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 6:33AM
Alleykitten says:
Rock n' Roll Queen is one of my favorite modern rock n' roll songs. It reminds me of all the songs I listened to through the end of the 80s into the 90s...It'll make you bang your head and jump around if you'll let it! ;)
There aren't enough bands like that left, to take them for granted anymore...I'll have to go check out Fountain of Youth and see what they're about.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 6:42AM
Sophia Shaikh says:
Really sweet to hear about Fountain Of Youth, I'm glad you gave them a listen and liked what you heard so much.
Personally, I prefer Stone Gods to Hot Leg, particularly 'You Brought A Knife To A Gunfight', although I have been known to sing along with Justin Hawkins on some of the Darkness tracks played at parties...just can't resist those high notes sometimes!
Like AxlReznor, I've been listening to you guys a lot just lately. I've also been listening to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd, although I think the last two may be because I've also been listening to Black Stone Cherry in preparation for next Tuesday.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 8:19AM
Ivy says:
Hi Duff. I would like to know how you feel about kids (12 year olds) getting involved in the rock n roll music business. How old were you when you played your first gig? with the benefit of hindsight and now that you are a parent yourself, what is your advice for avoiding some of the pitfalls along the way? What would you suggest that parents of aspiring and quite good guitarists do - just be there, love them and try to be the voice of reason? How do I protect my son?
I need some really practical advice! He's not that keen on becoming an accountant, he just wants to play the guitar. I dont know maybe its just a phases. They played a public gig last week and there were some scary looking people on the fringe. Help!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 11:12AM
Mad_Mama says:
Well, then, you'll be ready for Wade's band Fremont to open for you here at home next summer! Bring on the teenagers!!
@ivy - sometimes scary looking people are just scary looking and turn out be pretty cool once you get to know them! But, if you're truly worried, don't read about Nancy Layne McCallum's experience as a rockstar mom...
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 11:32AM
Brad Cox says:
@ Ivy - most of those scary lookin' people are quite squishy inside - this is the first lesson we learn, right? Don't judge.
If I'm being honest, I think young kids [under 16] should probably stick to neighborhood parties, church organized showcases (which have nothing to do with God - just a safe environment) or school talent shows, before setting up gigs at local venues.
That's not to say under 16's shouldn't play the real clubs, but get them some real experience - first.
It could go one of two ways. The kids could play there first show at a popular venue in town and get boo'ed off stage [and be crushed] OR they could get up on stage and get the empathy love - either way, they may not be ready.
Backyard shows are great, too! They'll learn alot from each other [social dynamics], which will prepare them.
Help them to build their confidence early by teaching them what they need to know and be there to support them - it's kinda hard to do drugs, when you're a 15-years-old and your parent is escorting you home.
Most parents [at least one] elect themselves as an unofficial manager and help out with things like pre-sales requirements, club owners/bookers, getting paid, guestlists and the overall treatment of the act - (IE: not getting stuck in the last timeslot on a weekday night (playing for an empty room).
Just be a parent and you'll be fine!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 11:54AM
Sophia says:
I've heard The Subways song and it IS killer :D
And I think that it's pretty awesome that you listen to all of the demos you get, even if it's from a kid! Seriously go through with letting them open for you. If I were to go to that gig I'd be pretty damn jealous of them though :P
@Ivy
What Brad says pretty much sums it up. But as a teen myself, what a lot of parents don't seem to understand is that for some of us we need that outlet. There are a lot worse things that I personally could be doing living in Brooklyn than playing bass with my band. The worst thing you could do is overpower your kid, because the more you restrict him the more he'll want to break away and get into trouble. Like Brad said, it's gonna be kind of hard for a 12 year old to do drugs or whatever when his mom is driving him around. One of the best things you could do though is support him as a guitar player. Just don't embarass him :P
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 12:20PM
Anonymous says:
cant believe you like subways duff :( only my opinion but saw em support AC/DC and well.....not too good.
See ya @ portsmouth tommorow!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 12:42PM
Brad Cox says:
@ Sophia -
Yeah, don't smother! Support.
My father has never seen my band play [once] in over a decade [it goes against his religious convictions] - so, it's disheartening.
Suffice it to say, the kids want you there as much as they don't want you there - there's a time and a place.
Get a pulse on your kid and his/her music and you'll just know!
Good luck! It's a jungle out there.
Sorry Duff, I couldn't resist.
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 3:05PM
Erin D says:
I just had a listen to Rock and Roll Queen - it's awesome! I can't stop listening to it. Off I go now to find The Subways on itunes!
Thanks for that one, Duff!
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 13 2009 @ 8:05PM
Paul Walton says:
Duff can't believe you just played my home town of Leamington Spa! Totally awesome gig, really enjoyed it.
I remember buying Appetite back in 86, and wouldn't have dreamed your play Leamington Spa in the future.
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 14 2009 @ 9:50AM
Mad_Mama says:
Gosh, Brad, I think your Mom and I need to get together. What you said here really does pretty much sum up my experience - and I am JUST starting out on this path!
My son's band hopes to get their first five original songs recorded, plus two covers soon. These will be posted to YouTube and their MS/FB pages. Hope to gain some interest this way.
Shows to be scheduled will probably include the safer, softer environments you've noted! Like the KTUB in Kirkland - totally welcoming and a good safe place to try out your stage act! Parties, and school talent shows are pretty supportive too!
Gotta say, son's first "listening party" last week had him summing it up this way. "It's really hard to play for people who are staring at you with fish eyes, and their arms folded across their chests... or who are texting through your whole set!" Only applause, such as it was, was when drummer cracked some self-deprecating jokes!
They are NOT discouraged though, and will forge ahead! Good boys... and we have LOTS of Seattle's rock elite who have promised to make their club debut SPECTACULAR.
Watch for them in a year or so - FREMONT, the band!
Rock on, kids!
Sincerely,
Mom - band manager, merch mom, roadie, tour mgr, amp tech, booking agent... plus some other stuff I'm sure.
Posted On: Wednesday, Oct. 14 2009 @ 2:40PM
Ivy says:
Thanks Brad Cox, Mad_Mamma and Sophia for sharing your advice and experiences. There sure is a difference between backyard/school gigs and stepping up to public gigs. I guess with the scary looking older kids at least they were out there doing it and not getting depressed in some darkened room!
I like your advice about getting involved, I could carve out a role as driver and caterer!
The guitar and music have been an ongoing and growing love of his. It has surprised me.
One more thing, I promise not to intentionally embarass my boy. I will just have to be the extremely proud, slightly anxious parent glowing in the background...with the cakes?
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 15 2009 @ 12:24AM
Brad Cox says:
@ Mad Mama, my advice actually comes from being the father of a 7-year-old and being in a band for a very long time and just watching.
My mother and I are a bit off of each other's radar, but I get your point. haha.
We played a show at the old Hammerjack's (in Baltimore) the other night and the booker put a very, very young band on the bill. They did ok, but they weren't ready and it reminded me of some other options for 'first time out!'
So, I'm glad I could be of some help - on some level!
Yeah, the beginning stages of recording and presenting is an amazing experienece for your youth. Find a good studio.
They'll learn a lot from the producers, about recording and about layering parts, etc. This is where I would say, don't go cheap! A cheap recording and a bad producer will hurt your kid's ego, along the way.
I recorded my first five demo records with a guy who seemed pretty disinterested and didn't know how to communicate, direct or help - as a result, it crushed my confidence.
It's expensive and averages out to about $50.00 an hour. An average session and/or song, after drum editing [on a local level] is going to cost about $500.00 - $750.00.
I'd plan on saving up and getting three solid songs. I know it's hella expensive and there is something to be said for home recordings - I did some of my original stuff on an 8-track Fostex reel-to-reel - but, I recommend doing it right - especially if you're duplicating it.
Once those recordings are out there, there out there - for good!
Have an incredible journey and enjoy it!
It's only rock n' roll, but I like it, like it - yes I do!!
Posted On: Thursday, Oct. 15 2009 @ 5:09AM
Kids Music says:
It is a very nice and good post. Keep up the good work.
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 16 2009 @ 12:15AM