Top 5 Bands of 2013

As 2013 winds down into history, blogspot readers, SouthSide was challenged into getting off the fence by embarking the most difficult task ever in her reviewing career - picking her Top 10 bands of the year. For the record, she has long avoided doing these kinds of lists because she might either forget a band or two OR (finally) admitting which bands she enjoyed the most. Peeking inside the mind of SouthSide is not an easy task ...so that's why it was so difficult picking a Top 10. So to be fair, blogspot readers, she resorted to doing a Top 5 by grouping them in the following categories - Local, National and International. All shows (127 completed and still counting at the time of this post) featuring the following bands were  the tops during the 2013. Enjoy.

Top 5 Local:

5. (tie) - I AM Fest / Honey & the 45s ...SouthSide picked I AM Fest due its unique lineup which featured a strong variety of musical acts from electrifying pop/rock (Energy Commission) to hip hop/lyrical rap (RayIsDude) as well as  two female powerhouse vocalists (Leah Druzinsky and Kelsey Montanez) in the middle and more this year. There was something for everybody to like and enjoy during this one-day music festival. 

Honey & the 45's rocked the Cubby Bear earlier in the year with a one hot performance which was sexy, "in your face" funky kind of groove during a chilly winter's night. Never had this reviewer sweat to the groove (except when Bernie Worrell came to town years ago) along with many others around her to songs like "Got The Need" and the James Brown classic "I Feel Good". SouthSide will be seeing this band again at Metro coincidentally on the same date (Jan 11) when she first saw them.

3. DJ Scary Lady Sarah ...she's a fixture in the local scene by playing the best of industrial/post industrial/shoegaze/and more as well as keeping it alive for over 25 years with such events like NOCTURNA (held once a month at Metro or sometimes Bottom Lounge) and MACHINA (she dj's on the 1st Wednesday every month at Smartbar). Besides that, she has her own band - The Bellwether Syndicate ...dj's time to time in support of other shows ...and now working hard Convergence 20 Chicago First & Last & Always (occurring in April 2014), blogspot readers.  SouthSide is quite honored to know her as a friend and artist.

2. Social Focus ...after accidentally "discovering" this band's CD laying around the Elbo Room one night, then taking a listen and immediately liking demo sample (especially Merry-Go-Down), this reviewer had the extreme pleasure of watching this local band grow from obscurity to releasing a full self-titled album and rockin' out a crowd at House of Blues during I AM Fest 2013, blogspot readers. She hopes 2014 brings more exciting things for the members of Social Focus.

1. Makeshift Prodigy ...another local band SouthSide accidentally "discovered" back in 2009 when she was reviewing another band at Metro and soon got caught in this band's awe-inspiring music that instantly blew her away. She watched the members and music grow and evolve to what it is today ...still mind-blowing, motivational, inspirational symphonic rock to which they had a chance to tour and share with others on both sides of the coast ...and rockin' the crowd at Lollapalooza 2013. This band has a bright future ahead of them, blogspot readers.

Top 5 National:

5. Captured By Robots (CA) ...it's one of those bands you have to see to believe, blogspot readers, where's a lone human on guitar surrounded by a band of animatronic robots performing on horns, guitars and drums. The entire show itself was weird ...psychedelically trippy ...mind-bending as if you have taken acid before the show but nonetheless a fun time while absorbing the strangeness that was this band, blogspot readers. SouthSide can see why Captured has a strong fan following in Chicago...

4. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs (TX) ...this reviewer highly recommends rockin' to this Texan band's glitter glam/punk rock at their next show, blogspot readers. They love to have fun and be sure to sing Cherry Bomb with them on stage. She hopes they return in 2014 to rock Chicago again (as well as munch on deep dish pizza and Chicago style BBQ).

3. Esh the Singer (WI) ...in word - WOW. This soulful sister will blow your mind with her voice. She can be dynamic as an R&B/Soul vocalist but also can rock hard like Stevie Nicks when she covers classic rock songs, blogspot readers. SouthSide had the pleasure in seeing her bring the audience to their knees by pumping so much emotions (from heartache to anger) into her lyrics during an acoustic set as well as when she's amplified with the full band. You heard it here first - she's better than Rhianna.

2. Hellions of Hollywood tour (CA) ...this tour featured Dawn of Ashes and Psyclon 9 rockin' the stage at Livewire Lounge after when a heavy downpour soaked Chicago, blogspot readers. Thanks to her friend, Tom George of Tag Publicity, SouthSide had the extreme pleasure interviewing both bands before they rocked and shocked their fans with intense headbanging thrash/dark electronica metal rock full of Hollywood glam and glitz all night with local band JILT opening for them. Yep, SouthSide got her metal on that night ...and lost her hearing too - now that's a good show.

1. Revel Without A Cause tour ...this tour featuring The Relapse Symphony (Washington D.C.), Fearless Vampire Killers (UK), Davey Suicide (CA) and William Control (WA) recently rockin' the Bottom Lounge on Black Wednesday night. Before the show (and thanks to her friend Tom George), she was lucky enough to do interviews with William Control and Fearless Vampire Killers as well as hang out with Davey Suicide (whom she interviewed when he was in Chicago with Blood On The Dance Floor a year ago). The lineup had the Chicago fans rockin' and dancin' as well as begging William for "one more song" to which he obliged giving them two more before having to finally end the show. If you there, yes, you caught this reviewer amongst the crowd dancing.


Top 5 International:

5. Anna von Hauswolff (Sweden) ...along with Noveller accompanying her and the band during their first U.S. tour, SouthSide highly recommends getting very acquainted with both and their instrumentally night music. You will be left in silent awe when listening to the melodic sounds. Also read the review recently posted on this blog.

4. Robert Plant with Sensational Space Shifters (UK) ...there's no better way to enjoy (free) music in the park during the Taste of Chicago than basking in the Led Zeppelin glow of this legendary rocker with thousands of other Zep fans (young and old) around you, blogspot readers. Plus she even got a chance to meet him for a few minutes after the performance. SO not worthy...

3. Dope Stars Inc (Italy) ...these Italians headlined at Cobra Lounge rockin' the stage with their 80s rock and much more, blogspot readers. Though the weather was a little too cold for them, they did enjoy Chicago when SouthSide got a chance to interview this band. She hopes they return in 2014 bringing the entire band this time.

2. The Red Paintings (AU) ... rock music and performance art ...nothing new for SouthSide but add the lead guitarist/vocalist dressed in a Russian hat and coat and his violinist in a kimono as well as two visual artists (one having a live model being painted) creating art during the band's opening set. This reviewer was totally blown away when they performed the title track - The Revolution Is Not Coming with such angered fervor and intensity. Check them out when they tour again in 2014.

1. Ian Anderson (UK) ...Thick As A Brick 1 & 2 - seeing this not only once but twice three months apart, blogspot readers. And SouthSide enjoyed both instances but loved it a second time due to the many Tull fans treating the performance more like a rock concert than a musical theatre. They were shouting ...cheering and rockin' out when Ian and the band performed Locomotive Breath during the encore - still that wasn't enough for them. They wanted "one more song" ...if he had the chance, SouthSide would have been shouting "Aqualung" at the top of her lungs. This reviewer would like to thank her good friend Anne Leighton for setting her up with tickets for both performances. SO not worthy but ready to see Ian Anderson again in 2014.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Top 10 SouthSide Wild Moments Around Town

Every On The Town  adventure has its wild and (sometimes) crazy moments, blogspot readers. And looking back at the year that almost was 2013, SouthSide had some wild and crazy adventures while rockin' the local ...some too racy to mention (but well documented for her tell-all book) meanwhile others too funny and/or too good to be true to be believable.

Yep, it's never a dull moment wherever this reviewer is prowling the streets of Chicago for a show...

10. North Coast Music Fest (Aug 30 - Sept 1) ...as exhausting for this first time Coastie to cover this huge 3-day music festival, SouthSide had the most fun dancing her way around the many stages with the liveliest bunch of party-loving, brightly costumed people within Union Park despite the weather being humid and hot. So ready to bang again next year!

9. I AM Fest (Aug 24) ...this one-day local art and music festival gets wilder and wilder every year as well as better with the bands chosen to perform on stage. This year's lineup feature wild drunken pirate rock to an electrifying energy by Energy Commission. Who knows what will happen during I AM Fest 2014, blogspot readers...

8. High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI (with Vintage Blue) ...it's SouthSide's first ever road trip to the Dairy state with a band! It can very wild at this capitol city, blogspot readers, especially since it's also a college party town at this venue. Nice western decor but wait until the hardcore party/music fans arrive that's when the wild times begin. Twice this reviewer was offered a "smoke" in the women's restroom ...she got "penguin" humped (a guy in a penguin costume) and if you're going to have sex in the restroom stall - CLOSE THE DOOR!

7. Protesting Alderman James Cappleman/Marching for Marriage Equality ...it may have been too cold to protest, blogspot readers, however it was SouthSide On The Town's civic duty to cover these two events as well as take part in the march and rallies...

6. The Pump Room North (The Knocks NCMF after party) ...after partying at the park all day and then rockin' the Elbo Room for a show, SouthSide had some strength left to party at this party inside this legendary restaurant/club location in Chicago's Gold Coast. This was her first time basking in the glow of where the major Hollywood A-listers of the day (think Clark Cable, Frank Sinatra, et al) hung out ...ate and drank at booth 1. Now renovated with a modern atmosphere, this reviewer felt out of place (and not properly dressed) to attend this party but she did. WHAT A BLAST ...had a chance to meet the The Knocks (as well as briefly interview them) ...meet CEOs from NewYork (one was hitting on her) and yes, she did more dancing until the wee hours of the morning...

5. YELP's Elemental Experience & Walk On The Wild Side ...Yes, YELP does know how to throw a party, blogspot readers! Their parties are so popular that you have to cross your fingers and hope you get on the list to attend at least one of them after receiving the invite to sign up. SouthSide was lucky enough to attend and cover two YELP parties this year ...the Elemental Experience was held at The Castle (formerly known as Excalibur) where you got to experience the four elements (Earth, Fire, Air and Water) in four different sections featuring local restaurants, businesses and drinks. Meanwhile Walk On The Wild Side was held at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum where you not only sample more food from local restaurants but also enjoy the museum exhibits (like the Butterfly sanctuary) too. Wild times that it was SO hard to leave when it was over...

4. SAIC Fashion Show 2013 ...first fashion show for SouthSide and dressed fabulous to attend it too, blogspot readers. Students from School of the Art Institute Chicago inspired the imagination with their futuristic clothes for the modern woman and man from the 20 something hipster to a woman and/or man SouthSide's age. This reviewer was in awe by the colors selected ...the many yet unique textures and unusual items used to complete their designs...

3. Carnivale Delirium ...it's more than just than dressing in your finest Victorian/steampunk attire, blogspot readers, it's a fun night of dancing, magicians doing slight of hand and more, enchanting burlesque acts, Lord Vourteque getting "married", Candy Town rockin' the stage in their harlequin makeup, vendors and so much more...

2. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs ...SouthSide finally got to meet her new friends from Dallas, TX when they rocked the stage at Underground Lounge. And this band made the most of their show since they were the only band performing that night (there was a band cancellation) HOWEVER they turned this into one WILD party, blogspot readers. Scary Cherry used every inch of the Underground Lounge (bar counter included) as her stage ...and SouthSide was also part of the show when she joined the band to sing Cherry Bomb on stage (she actually thought they were kidding about singing with them). A wild rockin' time inside the venue as well as after the show when they were immersed into the Wrigleyville bar nightlife. Bar hoppers taking photos with the band ...hanging out with them at Beggar's Pizza - they LOVE our deep dish! She hopes they come back in 2014...

1. Pink Floyd's The Wall at Logan Theatre ...this was the chance of a lifetime after viewing this iconic movie on small screen so many times to FINALLY viewing it on the big screen as it should be shown, blogspot readers. SouthSide noticed things about the movie that she didn't before ...plus it helps having other diehard Floyd fans experiencing this as well in which many of us were either singing and/or mimicking the dialogue or adding our own touches throughout the movie. She wasn't able to view the Tommy screening but hopefully Logan will run that and The Wall as a weekend doubleheader one day. SouthSide will definitely be taking the night off for that!


Honorable Mentions:
Trilogy of Terror at Door No.3 (Double Door) ...a classic Karen Black movie with Peter Propaganda on soundtrack on a frosty Black Wednesday night. Oh yeah - that was so much fun, blogspot readers.

Jake Shimabukuro at Park West ...a guy and his ukulele rockin' the stage in front of a sold out crowd. Sounds unbelievable but it really happened, blogspot readers. Plus he's the only performer SouthSide knows who can cover Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody on ukulele. It was awesome!

Thick As A Brick 1 & 2 at Ravinia and Star Plaza Theatre ...it was SO good the first time, SouthSide had to see it again amongst more diehard Tull fans young and old. Maybe she'll see it for a third time if Ian Anderson returns in 2014, blogspot readers.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

Top 10 SouthSide Interviews of 2013

Hey, blogspot readers, looking back on the year recently, SouthSide was extremely busy interviewing a wide range of artists, musicians and/or bands for her One On One blogspot articles. Before revealing her Top 10 list, she would like to say "Thank You" to everyone (too many to name but they know who they are) for making the interviews possible as well as taking time to answer her questions. She had fun chatting with you whether it was in person, by phone or email...

10. A Band of Orcs ...somewhere in the Middle Earth mountains of California, there's a horde of thrash metal band roaming and pillaging in the name of Gzoroth!

9. Charlie Hustle ...a down-to-earth Southside hiphop artist with inspirational messages for the masses.

8. Dumpster Hunter (Jeff Taylor) ...rockin' the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing Frank Zappa's 200 Motels.

7. Jason Magicks ...Record Breakers employee by day and DJ magician within the local EDM world by night.

6. Flabby Hoffman ...an exclusive behind the scenes with Chicago's masked man of a music/comedy variety cable access show.

5. Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs (Scary Cherry & Mario) ...glam/punk rock done Texan style which is always served with a loud BANG!

4. Makeshift Prodigy (Brandon and Anthony) ...ambient motivational mind-bending symphonic/electronic rock music designed for this millennium and beyond.

3. Jim Rose Circus ...never ever challenge SouthSide into finding interview questions never asked before.

2. Don Preston ...an exclusive interview with jazz legend and (Grand)Mothers of Invention musician.

1. Ian Anderson ...not worthy to bask in the presence of this musical pied piper and guitarist of Jethro Tull.

Honorable Mentions:

A Birdsong Valentine (the local scene's gut-busting screamo rock amidst intense guitar energy)

William Control (the electronic scene's suave debonair man of mystery) and Fearless Vampire Killers (five lads from UK rockin' the "happy" Goethe scene)

The Rabid Whole (Canada's hardcore dark industrial band) and Dope Stars Inc (Italians rockin' the 80's scene again!)

More "Top 10" lists coming soon, blogspot readers.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

12 Oct 13 - Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs

...Who wants to fuck?!...

They banged SouthSide ...Texan glitter glam/punk rock style!

Don't worry they didn't bruise her too bad ...but they did get her on stage to sing?! More about that part in a minute...

What a wild and crazy Saturday night deep within the heart of Wrigleyville rockin' Underground Lounge with Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs, blogspot readers! This band traveling from Dallas, Texas made their only Chicago stop on their Get Banged tour both fun and memorial for all. They introduced this local reviewer to Texan glitter glam/punk rock while she introduced the band, Tweetie the tour manager and guests to Chicago-style deep dish pizza after the show at Beggar's Pizza. Plus she also met Wolfie's (aka Debbie) family who found Chicago's expressways confusing but liked how downtown is not only a business district but a livable area to play, entertain and shop. SouthSide highly recommends checking out the fun interview she did with Scary Cherry and Jinx the Minx - http://southsideonthetown.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-on-one-with-scary-cherry-bang-bangs.html.

Despite being the only band scheduled to perform, Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs turned their debut into a full length rock concert featuring all of the glitz and glam this tiny underground venue could possibly handle, blogspot readers. Upon entering, those who attended the show received a "Hello, my name is" name tag to wear as well as two signs - one reading FUCK and the other a Scary Cherry head. Both to be used throughout their set. Next, be prepared to get banged whether you're in audience watching and/or being volunteered to be part of the show. SouthSide received the opportunity of being both. Funny thing is - she hadn't sung in front of people in years! 

Anyway ...kicking off their show with Don't Wanna (track 1 off Girl) and Tonight, this band wasted no time blasting the ears with such powerful female vocals amidst furiously fast punk sound. This reviewer enjoyed how Leslie (aka Scary Cherry) had the voice of two female vocalists from the 80s - the raw rock tone of Joan Jett and the heartfelt voice of Pat Benetar to which she was able to put either heated spite and/or frustration into the lyrics throughout the performance. As Scary Cherry, she was a fireball of energy, blogspot readers, personifying that Girl in each song. She was that Girl who wants to kick your ass or fuck you and/or a little of both while working not only the stage but also the bar. Yes, this vocalist was the first (to SouthSide's knowledge) to stand as well as dance on the Underground Lounge's bar counter. Wolfie as Scary Cherry's partner in crime added her own badass attitude moments on stage whether she's doing backing vocal harmonies or exciting the audience with her exuberant energy. Together, these gals showed off some true girl power amongst the band of rockin' male musicians.

Speaking of the males of Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs ...yeah, Jinx the Minx, Tony Coke, Alan and Andrew - these guys banged hard and loud, blogspot readers. Performing other songs like Glitter track 3), Tracked Down (track 11) and Anita 69 (track 10), the guys brought out the ferocious intensity of Scary Cherry's glitter glam sound. Then again, ferocious may not be the right word to describe it. Let's try - explosively hardcore (and sometimes unexpected) to the point you will feel the energy to get banged with other people in the audience i.e. moshing and slam dancing. Yet that's the true beauty of attending a show like this, blogspot readers. The more the intensity this band produced the more explosive they become. And you simply don't watch it either ...you are part of it along with the band. Even the band gets into the act of slam dancing while performing the roller derby anthem - Slaughter. Now, what's this ...about SouthSide singing with band she hinted earlier in this review. Well ...somewhere in the YouTube universe there's probably a video or two as well as photos on the net of this local reviewer singing on stage with Scary Cherry and Wolfie during the song Cherry Bomb. To be honest, she may have sounded off key but who cares?! She was having too much fun dancing and singing with the band on stage.

However the fun didn't stop after the show was over, blogspot readers. Since she had no other plans and nothing else to do, Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs got a chance to witness and experience part of the midnight hour nightlife in Wrigleyville. While loading their bus (one of those mini buses/vans that are used as transportation for senior centers), the bar hopper crowd was out and about up and down Clark Street checking out the band ...trying on the Scary Cherry head and snapping photos with the band before enjoying a late night meal at Beggar's Pizza for deep dish pizza! Now that they had tried our local delicacy, Scary wants to try ribs next. Sadly, the band had to catch some Zzz's before heading back on the road for points eastward in Detroit and New York (currently they are in New York performing random shows during CMJ, blogspot readers). SouthSide hopes they return to Chicago again with a longer stay for pizza, ribs and Texas BBQ.

Getting banged with Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs is a must, blogspot readers. SouthSide highly recommends picking up their CD - Girl and try other songs like S.T.F.U. (track 7) and The Secret, Frankie? (track 9) ...just for fun. For more information and where to get yourself banged with the band, visit http://www.scarycherry.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One With Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide got banged!

Not that kind of "banged" ...so get your heads out of the gutter! Nope, she was unofficially glitterized by the Dallas glam punk band, Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs before leaving town for their tour which will make a stop in Chicago on Oct 12 at Underground Lounge. Speaking with Scary Cherry herself and Minx the Jinx (not their real names), SouthSide got an in depth view about the band, the local scene in Dallas, giving "birth" to an album, pizza and SouthSide joining the band on stage - not in that particular order. It was a very, very interesting interview, blogspot readers...

Usually SouthSide's first interview question stumps people. Not this time, blogspot readers. Little did she know that Minx the Jinx was a psychic mind reader even over mobile phone when he already had the answer to her question. So, how would Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs describe themselves in five words or less? "This is glitter punk," says Minx with Scary mentally counting the words. "We try to take what we think is the best elements of 70s glitter rock and punk..." thus combining the two together. Scary added "...it's raw performance and emotions of what women go through ...it's happy, angry, dangerous, bitchy [especially] when on stage ...it's organic ...honest and real..." The type of show SouthSide should expect from them when they're performing on stage. Minx jokingly commented "...that's how you can describe Scary Cherry at [band] rehearsal..." And the gloves are off!  However, SouthSide doesn't think Minx would stand a chance against Scary Cherry because she has experience as a roller derby girl, blgospot readers. She disclosed to this reviewer that the Scary Cherry persona was born out of that scene in which she did for 5 years. The first Scary Cherry song, Slaughter (now a roller derby anthem) is about not being afraid to show your emotions. "...very empowering..." says Scary. Oh yeah, blogspot readers, be on the look out for Minx the Jinx doing psychic readings and band demonology at the merch booth for a $5.

So what's in store for SouthSide when she attends her first Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs show?  "...expect the unexpected..." says Scary after telling this reviewer it's going to be wild and explosive meanwhile Minx chimed with "...we're about having a good time ...strap yourself in, we're coming for your children..." He's only joking, blogspot readers ...she thinks. Basically, a Scary Cherry show isn't for the weak. And if you're the shy type, the band stated you'll get over that quickly. There's even a bit of audience participation during their shows in which you might find yourself on stage performing with the band. "Our shows are mayhem ...nothing is planned like a circus..." SouthSide was told, "...guitars may get broken [but] we're not violent to others ...only to ourselves..." Oh be on the lookout for this reviewer to join Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs when they perform Cherry Bomb during their October 12 show at Underground Lounge. Yep, better film this for YouTube, blogspot readers! But, what is it about Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs that brings their Glitter Punks (i.e. fans of Scary Cherry) back for more, you might wonder, blogspot readers. Well, perhaps it might be the feeling they have experienced an exciting rock show or they get it after seeing this particular band live. "...it's sort of a community ...we try to incorporate the crowd ...then they join out cult - Glitter Punks..." That's what the band hopes for after a show. No matter how near or far you may live, they like to keep in contact with you, blogspot readers. For Scary, this concept is more like having an extended family since she doesn't have one. "...so I try to treat everyone as family..." "...now we're learning more about Scary Cherry's maternal instincts..." comments Minx. While learning more about Scary Cherry, this reviewer was also told Minx has a great nose almost like Al Pacino's. How did Minx the Jinx get his name? He got the "minx" part from his mom and "the jinx" part - because he's known to break guitars to which he promises not to do during this tour, blogspot readers.

Recently. Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs debuted their LP simply titled Girl, blogspot readers and SouthSide wondered which songs should she listen to first. And this was the moment when this reviewer finally stumped Scary Cherry and Minx. "...that's a tough one ...depends on which mood you're in..." Scary answered but did suggest a few songs. For example, if you're happy, listen to Glitter ...in a melancholy mood, try Cut Off Your Head (Scary Cherry's take on the 20s / Betty Boop) ...in love, try Face - just to get your started. Both did agree on listening to the song Don't Wanna if you want to experience Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs on harmonies and rawness. Somewhat a dichotomy you might say but according to Scary, "...we're a walking dichotomy..." Minx the Jinx added that in his music life he has listened to all sort of crap yet he has an eclectic taste. "...proud to say we have a great sound ...glad [songs] are not the same..." Scary added "....have to write honest ...when writing the album ...OMG ...it's like giving birth in a painful way..." to which she said it was "...a very scary painful process..." In the end, blogspot readers, Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs are proud of their "baby", the album. It even has Minx's nose as well as Scary Cherry's ten fingers and toes!  Now, if they could collaborate with anyone (living or dead ...mainstream or indie), the possibilities would be endless between Scary Cherry and Jinx the Minx, blogspot readers. For Scary Cherry, she would like to collaborate with  Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails), Iggy Pop and David Bowie ("...because he's god...) meanwhile Minx said Patti Smith ("...such a powerhouse on lyrics ...speak volumes..."), Florence (of Florence and the Machine) ...and the list could go on forever. "...it would be awesome to work with anyone..."

Before wrapping up this fun interview with Scary Cherry and Minx the Jinx, blogspot readers, SouthSide asked the duo what's the music scene like in their hometown of Dallas to which they said, "....[it's] awesome..." According to the band, they recommend SouthSide checking out the electro shock metal band, Razorblade Dolls and the punk rock band Ten Can Riot - just to name a couple good bands rockin' the Dallas local scene. "...we got punk, hard rock, electronic ...[the scene] is getting back to dangerous rock ...and the element of danger sticks within people's blood..." And this is the sort of perfect thing for a band like Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs. Scary Cherry was once told (by a fan) that midway through the show they want to "...beat the shit out of someone..." You see, blogspot readers, it's all about sex and violence when attending a Scary Cherry show. "...[then] you go home and finish yourself off..." Scary Cherry told SouthSide that the Dallas scene is really great "...pushing each other to be better..." but not in a competitive way, blogspot readers. What she meant is pushing the bar with each performance. Think of this as healthy competition. "...the bands are very supportive of each other..." before Minx added a special challenge to Razorblade Dolls, "...we're coming after you..." Bands like Razorblade Dolls and Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs need your support especially when touring. Scary Cherry are funding this tour themselves ...traveling 27 dates about 11,000 miles (give or take) yet they are excited about coming to Chicago since it's one of many places they haven't played before. And they can't wait to eat real Chicago deep dish pizza and (perhaps) ribs.  Oh yeah , if ordering a hot dog here - must remember do not ask for ketchup on it.

After finishing the Get Banged! tour (around mid-November), the band will try to push an EP by March or sometime during the beginning of spring 2014. There are other things in the works but sadly, they couldn't disclose what that might be because they didn't want to jinx it. However, Scary Cherry promised "...something will happen while on the road..." but they might have something special planned for Halloween ...like a musical. In closing, blogspot readers, Scary Cherry & the Bang Bangs would like to wish everyone "...peace on Earth and goodwill towards men..." Actually, they would like to encourage people to come out and meet them. They don't bite. SouthSide can't wait to meet Scary Cherry and the entire Bang Bangs when they arrive in Chicago next month.

Currently the band is out west and will be rockin' the stage at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles soon! For more information and tour dates happening near you, visit http://www.scarycherry.com and/or "like" them on Facebook.


SouthSide would like to thank Scary Cherry and Jinx the Minx for taking time out for this interview...


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide