My Venture Into The Classical Guitar...

My Classical Acoustic/Electric Guitar - Takamine EC128

The three on going chord progression you hear on "...And Vampires Made Made Love" was recorded with this guitar. It's gotta be those nylon strings.

Not many people know this but during my early years of playing guitar I studied classical music. Way before the shred/rock and now blues thing, it's been about a good twenty years. Every now and then I'll play a few classical pieces that I manage keep with me and memorized. Classical music has always remained with me and it's a very soothing feeling to play "Greensleeves" or "Minuet" which is not a common number for me to play or practice when I pickup a guitar.

But the hardest for me was to re-learn to read music were it made musically sense and it took me every bit of a week. I'm still nowhere near to considered myself a sight reader. I still stumble and pull my hair on almost every classical number I try to play. I won't ever be a Andres Segovia, or a Flamenco master, Paco De Lucia and I'm not trying to be either. But I love the disciplined it brings, which is a total opposite of what I usually do. So with that being said, meet the other side of my playing that I really enjoy venturing into.

I play easy compositions. Some with allot of confidence and some without...lol Either way it's all good and classical guitar players out there... Try not to be too hard on me... I'm still a novice classical guitarist that will never claim to be a virtuoso and plus the blues still rules majority of my heart. ~JCM

Here are some simple compositions that I can read/play and enjoy.

"Greensleeves" (Anonymous 16th Century)
"Minute" J.S. Bach - (1685 - 1750)
"Andante II" Ferdinando Sor - (1778 - 1839)
"Minute" G.P. Telemann - (1681 - 1767)
"Rondo" Jean Phillippe Rameau - (1683 - 1764)
"Allegretto II" Ferdinando Sor - (1778 - 1839)
"Adagio in E Minor" Dionisio Aguado (1789 - 1849)
"Waltz" Ferdinand Carulli (1770 - 1841)
"Andantino" Matteo Carassi (1732 - 1853)

My two Washburn D10CEQSB acoustic guitars and my farewells...

My two Washburn Acoustics D10CE... They way to tell them apart from photos. Look at the background cloths and notice there are different. Pictures were taken at a different times. About six months or more time span.

The very first one I owned

(Beautiful Mahogany backs is what makes these model popular)

(At the bottom one is my number two)

(Well You can tell them apart. Number 2 had a couple of nick/scares at the back of the neck)

I had two identical D10s Washburn... One I sold last year and my last one this past week. I was a little sad about it... I wrote "What I Dream To Do" and "Day By Day" on those guitars... Monday before I packed my last one to ship away. I played for about thirty minutes and I had to stop before I changed my mind and claim to reject sale... I had'em for about four years and I never recorded with them or than home demos. Farewell to them I know they went to a good home. the pictures were used for the actual sale.

A Face Lift was given...

We re-vamped all of our MySpace sites and as you can see this one too... It was time for a makeover. Click on the links at your right and see... Thanks for checking us out and supporting The Killing Floor... Please let us know who you are. Enjoy! ~JCM

Don't let your legacy be forgotten.

The quest for ones own emancipation should never settle then on ones own realized limits. Your mind, heart and soul becomes one in harmony and it justifies and purifies your will of being. A gift you should give yourself and that no one can break it , take it or steal it. The journey on staying true to your heart, open to your mind and be kind to your soul can sometimes take a life time to learn and in some cases its never realized. Can you image the crime in that. Don't let your legacy be forgotten... ~JCM

Tiffany Billard's Show!!

D-Day's Revenge speaks with JCM of The Killing Floor

D-Day's Revenge speaks with JCM of The Killing Floor
Roberta keeps things roling with our next interview. We step away from heavy metal to more of a blues rock with The Killing Floor. JCM does a great job answering Roberta's questions, so sit back and enjoy the read.

Roberta: How Did you all come together as a band? Were you friends first?

JCM: I played with a couple of blues band with female fronted singers back in 98' before I started to do my own thing. It's been a tough road finding the right people to lock in with the same goals and vision. You wanna weed out the attitudes, backstabbers, and flakes wanna be's and I can say this now… This version of The Killing Floor is the right chemistry, talent and attitude. My brothers from other mothers: Jack, Miguel, Darren and Larry there are my best friends, musicians and human beings… They would give their shirts off their backs and not shove a knife into you while do so. It all about true colors and I'll just leave it at that.

Roberta: At what age did yu play your first Instrument?

JCM: I started playing guitar at the age of thirteen and back then I didn't even know what a tuned guitar was…lol So I just plucked a way for two years and a buddy of mine showed me how to tune a guitar and some bar chords… Everything got easier and made sense really fast after that…lol

BTW- My starting instrument was the drums.

Roberta: Descibe your music Style the Best you Can!!!

JCM: I and or we, don't setup ourselves for any formula or trend and we are not here to re-invent the wheel either. But I don't want to be recantation of what's already been done and though we are what we eat and drink… You'll hear our influences that will definitely show, but not as a rip off or a re-creation. I just let things flow and let the music take its shape. "Mary Jayne" was written in two hours where as "Its Not Me" took me ten years….
Our style??... hhmmm

Otis Taylor describes his music as trance blues… I like that and will use it too... Experimental, jam, blues/rock band with an attitude sounds like a good musical style title…

Roberta: Who are your Biggest Influences in music?

JCM: Way, way- too many to list but my top five for right now and it changes too… Jimi Hendrix, Ian Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Paco De Lucia and Audioslave.

Roberta: Are there any shows scheduled for your band ? and will they be Local or Statewide?

JCM: Big transitions have happen in both my personal life and the band… Our focus right now is the release and promotion of The Killing Floor CD. We will venture out side San Antonio, that's for sure, and out of state gigs will be more baby steps… We have so many friends in bands and fans that would love for us to play in there town and that's one of our biggest goals to make realize. Spread the gospel and share the vision and feel of our music to you and for you… So it's definitely in the works.

Roberta: Who,s the Songwriter in your band?

JCM: That would be me… but Miguel and Darren are no slackers… They will bring many great ideas and styles so the next CD will definitely bring and breathe another dimension. Our formula and standards is to be true to our hearts and we are fans of our music as well. You have to be… So we have NO fillers songs. Every note counts and every lyric has a meaning. We mold and create with our hearts, mind and soul. So in essences the music is honest and a success to us and for us. It has to rip and it has to groove before we presented to a live audience. No process cheese labeled, flavor of the month and packaged crap here that dominates the corporate mainstream music of TV and radio today. And yes even our cover tunes go through the same treatment. So we are absolutely NOT a cover band or a jukebox… Every sound we squeeze out of a cover tune will be in the vain of The Killing Floor.

Roberta: If you could choose any 3 bands to go on a massive tour with? Who would they be???

JCM: hhmmm… Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, Los Lonely Boys, Ian Moore… Though I think our music is a little heavier but not as heavy as Audioslave. Definitely Audioslave would be in my favorite list too… There I gave you five… I'm not very good with directions…lol

Roberta: Are their any plans for a CD coming out soon? or any other Projects that you are working on?

JCM: The CD has been done and recorded since Spring of 2006 but there might be a few more tweaks from what you hear on MySpace or our podOmatic podcast. The new CD release date is March 15 ,2007. I do want to apologize to everyone anticipating last years release date. I didn't foresee the rocky roads ahead that then reared its ugly head at the last minute and almost broke the sprit of the band. But this is now and everything is for a reason and I really see this as a blessing more than anything else. Thanks to the new fire in the band Darren and Miguel, and plus the band looks way better too… Also want to mention… Peter Carey has been a total sweetheart from the start. He co-produced, engineered it and did all the piano parts and the whole project was recorded at his studio The Rhythm Room Studios. He's been patient and very understanding on this whole 2006 Killing Floor saga.

Roberta: Where was the first place, that you performed at?

JCM: At the infamous Tacoland in San Antonio. It shape and formed lots of great bands and it had this irresistible vibe that could not or ever be touched or matched. The owner Ram was killed a couple of years ago and Tacoland died with him that very dreadful night. Its had an impact on the San Antonio music scene and something was lost but Tacoland will not be forgotten. I've seen and heard of other so-called happening San Antonio venues opening and then closing and then being gone. But Tacoland and its legacy is stilled being talked about today and still being felt because it was real life honestly that starred at you in the face when you performed there. Good or bad it took some set of balls to play there.

I was given a chance to play Tacoland many times after performing at a Mars Music birthday party staff event back in 2001 if I remember the right year… Herbfest Oct. 2001 was the name of the event. Some of the very best musical talents in town were there that night to witness my greenest and fumbleness for the first time as a front man...lol Yeah no pressure here at all. Nahh… It was great; I've been hooked ever since.

Roberta: How Long have yu all been Together as a Band?

JCM: The Killing Floor… about six years… with different band name and members. But I've been the visionary one from the very start since May 2001. I have to express that not all of the past members of The Killing Floor have been bad. Matt Wicks played bass for The Killing Floor for about five to six months along with Jacob on the drums… These guys were great people that lend their time and their high talents during a time of need. You guys will always be in my heart and I will never forget.

Roberta: On the Whole, Do you feel there is too much attention paid to the Lyrics? rather than concentrating on the music! Which is where, its really at!

JCM: There's not much attention being paid on learning how to play an instrument period. We are in a lazy period of video gaming and computers doing all the work… Guitar Heroes video game is a joke to me… Meat against the wire and the wood with a high volume cranked amp will receive better attention trust me. The satisfaction of learning songs and making your own and then jamming with a band… You just can't explain it, or show it... You have to experience and feel it… Yeah bring a Playstation II plastic guitar Heroes game to a guitar jam session and let us see what happens…lol

Here's food for thought: Learning to play a real instrument does take some time but it does the heart, mind and soul good…

On a lighter note: Almost everything that's music related is relied on computers to fix, compose, copy and paste… Technology has come along way and it's great and it's very much needed… But human imperfections are also good for that human touch and feel. You don't want to sound too perfect like a machine or computer.

I quit listening to mainstream radio and don't even mention MTV… That was given up years ago…

I do remember being harassed about the music I listen to in my teens… But music from the seventies and heavy metal back then in the likes of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Accept, and AC/DC had there own sound and style. These bands didn't follow trends or tried to sound like each other either… They created there own thing and in many different shapes, forms and colors… But somewhere in the late eighties till even now you are dammed listening to what the music industry thinks you should be listening too and everything sounds the same to me. Well not everything I will make a few exceptions. Maybe that's the way it's always been but now that I'm older I'm just noticing…

That's why CD record sales are low and other forms of radio now exist. Like satellite, internet radio and I love listening to college radio stations… They bring out talent you'll almost never hear on the radio. Public access local music shows are also a blessing and are very welcome and needed. I heard Tom Rigney on a KSYM, a college radio station in San Antonio. He has incredible melodies and arrangements… I just love his music and he's also shreds on the violin. God bless all the people that promote indie and unsigned talent and yes even MySpace… There's hope for all of us listeners and us the artists.

Roberta: Where do you see yourself in Five years?

JCM: Most definitely doing the same thing… Once the fun factor is gone then it's time to hang up the gloves and move on to other things. It's about creating and exploring music to the fullest without the pressure of trends, or what other people say you should do. Five years ago we consider ourselves a blues band… Now I'm not so sure, but if it feels good and moves you, then it really shouldn't matter what style it is presented in. I remember playing gigs and sharing the bill with younger kid bands and they would come up to us and complements us and then referred to us as being old school… Kinda funny when I still see huge sellers of re-issue/remastered, and reunions, CDs of Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rush, CCR, Black Sabbath and I can go on and on. Ten to fifteen albums later and some are still recording and touring arenas after thirty- forty years… Their music will be timeless and will stand through the sands of time. That's my schooling and the long haul is what I'm about and so is the band. I'm not changing my musical roots, clothes or the color of my guitars and my hair to sell my soul to the temptation of trend.

Roberta: Do you have any Groupies?

JCM: Groupies??….lol

I'm not going there… next question please…lol

To our future groupies, bands, fans, friends, family and or just the curious… The Killing Floor would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and showing the love. I've met so many great people from all over the US and the world through MySpace and some from our home too. We will try our best to bring you the music live to your home town and if not taped. But know that's our performances is always spontaneous and entertaining and never the same. We love what we do so yes… It's a labor of love.

Especially want to thank Roberta and D-Day's Revenge for the interview and support. ~JCM and The Killing Floor

D-Day's Revenge's awesome website. Also check'em out for there interviews, album reviews, metal news, columns, viewpoints, message boards that will introduce you to some up and coming bands.
Just click on the links below.

D-Day's Revenge Website: www.ddays-revenge.com

D-Day's Revenge MySpace: www.myspace.com/ddays_revenge

Roberta: www.myspace.com/zena2005

And You Will Know...

Ezekiel 25:17.

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you."

Live @ Sam's Burger Joint - 2-10-07

Our first 2007 gig!!

After some mileage with my new fellow band mate brothers. We are finally well rehearsed and confident and what better way to start off a show performance. Yeah babe at Sams Burger Joint. Thanks to Hollis, Dee and other powers that let this be. I will be crying at The Killing Floor. ~JCM

Something different to start off in 2007.

I don't have or make time for TV, much less read media news magazines, I just don't believe everything the media feeds us. But every now and then I'll come across some literature that involves something that hits home with me. I don't swing to the left or right... I'm just right in the middle idling away. Now I'm NOT a Bush basher or a Bush lover and I will not preach religion or shove politics down your throat. But what I will say or express is... I do wake every morning thanking God for my blessings and I love my country.
~JCM




Made In The USA: Spoiled Brats Fr: Craig R. Smith

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.
Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did … insane!
Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:

''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.''

I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.

"Bad Boy" My Lefty guitar played righty

The last time this guitar saw any live action was at Tacoland and it was my last time there as The Killing Floor. At that time the setup was very bad and I only played on one tune "Hey Joe". The graphic work wasn't done by me and I remember stickers all over it too.

I couldn't see myself purchasing a Fender's "Jimi Hendrix Woodstock" strat for high price $$$. I bought "Bad Boy" a Squire, at a pawnshop for $100.00. It very different of course in feel and the volume and tone knobs rub against your arm when strumming, which makes it very uncomfortable to play and also it's almost impossible to reach 21-22 frets.

The pickups are Fender Custom shop something... The tone is very clean and twangy... And I mean you can hear each string's bang and twang away... There are not high output and the tone is very different from a strat.

I scalloped 12-2 fret, cleaned and did a complete setup... Will see how it goes... ~JCM

Starlight Room: November 4, 2006

First 3 hour gig with the full band. I don't know of drink specials yet.

Darren: Keys
Miguel: Bass
Jack: Drums
Larry: Percussion
JCM: Vocals & Guitars

The Killing Floor would like to welcome on the keys...

Darren Stansbury is now officially in The Killing Floor Band. After weeks of him and I going over our set list and making sense of everything was... Fun- yeah right...lol

Darren and I go way back... About four years and the timing back then wasn't right and other negative karma within the band was also an issue...

BUT NOW!! I'm so very excited about the new members... My new brothers: Miguel and now Darren!! If you read this... Here's a toast on the future new sights and sounds of the new Killing Floor (mach IV). yeah -yeah Deep Purple so what!! I've been soo much shit trying to make this work and so now I'm in a happy place with a bunch of great guys that seee eye to eye with me.

Last night's rehearsal was incredible and it just goes to show that with the right group of guys nothing is impossible. New rehearsals music will be posted soon on our podOmatic player on the new line up... ~JCM

Spread Your Magic Honey...

The leap of faith in taking that very first step in self discovery is always a challenge. The regrets of asking yourself, "why I didn't, or I should have done this when", is my biggest fears to have to live with when I old and grey. Live life to the fullest and be everything you dream to be. In the end the only person you have to answer for is yourself and God... So with that being said... Take care of yourself... For yourself is all that you have... Spreading your magic wisdom is the legacy you'll leave behind.
~JCM

"SAVVY" (2006 MS Mix)

I don't know the release date of the new Killing Floor CD but for the mean time here's a mastered version of "SAVVY". We gone through some personal change and some personal issues is what keeping us from releasing it.

Here's the story again what phases mean... I really don't mind explaining it and it's really for me to keep track anyways.

I was given three CDs phases mixes of the whole 11 song CD and phase one being the not so close to what I want and phase 3 being the closes mix to be finalized. There's is one more EQ-ing and tweaking CD that will be phase 4 but that will be afterwards and I don't have that one yet. Sooooo....Anyways here's phase one mix n' mastered of "Savvy". I figured once it's mastered by a pro the whole CD and these four songs on MySpace will sound very sonically different from the finale mix n' mastered version. So that's why I mention these versions as for MySpace only. Soo here it is "SAVVY (P1)" Enjoy! ~JCM

Hole In My Heart (2006 MS mix)

***Update 9-11-06, 5:45am***I Re-Mastered "Hole In My Heart". The bass was way too loud for my liking on the old one so it's re-done... My mastering skills are getting better... I think...lol~JCM

Here's a Myspace mix of "Hole In My Heart". This track is from phase one mix out of three version mixes. I know this will be confusing but it keep me on track what version is what when searching for files. This is a mastered version mixed by me using Steinberg's Waves 5. This version will not be the same on CD release. "Hole In My Heart" Myspace version and will remain and replace the old unmastered track. Enjoy! ~JCM

"it's Not Me" (P1LC version) only on podOmatic.

"It's Not Me" (Phase One, Loud Chorus) version. This version is special because it's more chorusy (if such a word) than it's suppose to be. This mix here has been done just for you to hear.

The song is about coming to grips with yourself to the point of saying I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the abuse and now it's time for a change. In many ways finding peace within can come with just a drive on a highway or maybe quiet time in a room to gather your thoughts. And yes the ending is a march of death that ends all of the pain but it's really up to you on how your pain ends afterwards. Is it a new you or does it become the death of you. "It's Not Me (P1LC) Version" Enjoy! ~JCM

What I Dream To Do (P1B3 version) only on podOmatic

Here's phase I mix with loud B3 version of "What I Dream To Do". It's a different mixed version than what is going to be released on CD or what's posted on Myspace.

On this version you hear the B3 organ gliss right before the pre-chorus kicking in and also the backing vocals are louder. While recording at first it was a great idea for a livelier sound but the more I heard it, as Peter and I were tweaking the mix, the more I hated it...lol So the B3 gliss was taken off for a more tighter pre-chorus.

So here it is... Phase I mix with B3 gliss version of "What I Dream To Do". Enjoy! ~JCM

Starlight San Antonio, Club Envy & The Pedal Board Rescue.

Starlight San Antonio/Club Envy (8-18-06)
Miguel first gig with The Killing Floor.

Great show at Starlight/Club Envy this past Friday (8-18-06)... Made new fans and as always the Club Envy crowd and camp made us feel at home. This was Miguel's first gig with The Killing Floor with one rehearsal under his belt one day before the gig. He performed like a star and was thunder-in away and made us sound better than ever. Thank you Miguel....

One funny thing that happen to me is that I almost didn't use my pedal board which really wasn't a big deal. But Pat Trevino, Jack's lovely wife called Jack's sister for an extension cord and long story short, Jill and her hubby brought one and saved the day. So on with the show with wah-craziness as always and we performed five songs that night...

10:00pm (Sound Check)

1. You Are So Excited

10:45pm (Show Time)

2. Mary Jayne
3. What I Dream To Do
4. Voodoo Child
5. Hole In My Heart

Many thanks and all of my love to Sherril, Amiee, Nesio (The DJ) & The Club Envy Crowd. Starlight owner, manager, staff, and of course there beautiful waitresses. Jill Trevino and her hubby for lugging that monstrous bright yellow industrial 100 Ft. cord inside the club and ignoring the stares coming in the club...lol and I'm not forgetting Pat Trevino for the phone call for the pedal board rescue. and of course my musical brothers, Jack, Miguel and Larry of The Killing Floor.

Scuttle Buttin' (early Killing Floor 2002 version)

This was recorded at my studios "Utopia" during the summer of 2002. and first incarnation of The Killing Floor. The JCM Band, the name of the band at the time, with the original line up and only a three piece.

JCM: Guitars

David Garza: Bass

Sonny: Drums

Captured here is my first time doing this track "Scuttle Buttin', a Stevie Ray Vaughan tune. Looking back at my guitar and amp tone... It was very different and I do remember using a Carvin XB-100 amp, I think is the name of the model, and my green Legacy G&L (Yvonne). I was in a Stevie Ray Vaughan kick mode for about six months. I remember a buddy of mine Brian asking me to do this tune back in '92. So it stayed with me and low and behold I'm doing it now. Brian, my friend, this one will always be for you bro... Early and rare stuff that you'll hear only here... Enjoy!! ~JCM

You're So Excited (Single Guitar Remixed Version)

Link to podomatic and hear it!!

This version of "You're So Excited" you'll find only here and will not be released with the "Labor Of Love" Remastered CD.

http://thekillingfloor.podOmatic.com

The rhythm or second guitar is not present on this version. So it's a simple three piece sounding track of guitar, drums and bass. This was a one pass recording, meaning I just plugged and played without separating rhythm and leads on different tracks. The original version has a dubbed rhythm track against this track to have that full sounding mix. I did screw up a couple of times and instead of re-recording the whole thing. I just punch in and erased the mistakes with the correct notes and that was the remedy. I could not recreate what I just recorded and plus I liked the feel and the way it came out.

There's a certain beauty in simplicity and to avoid the dark side of overproduction it can be hard to resist sometimes... Recorded at Rhapsody studios on April of 2003 and remixed by me today. "You're So Excited (SGRV)." Enjoy! ~JCM

...And The Vampires Made Love II (re-visited) & Podcast

Check out "...And The Vampires Made Love II" only on podomatic. Other future recordings of The Killing Floor on podcast link below.

http://thekillingfloor.podomatic.com


I've receive lots of great feedback on the 5th track on the Labor Of Love CD: "...And The Vampires Made Love". People have express that it's very erotic, full of darkness, moody and it takes them to other places. I never intended to release this track but now looking back I'm glad that I did.

The birth date:
I needed background Halloween music for passing out candy the year of 2003. It was too late for me to go to the store and look for a Halloween theme songs, sounds and effects CD. Time did ran out and to hell with it... I just have to create my own Halloween music. So around 4:00pm on Halloween day I got into this mood and envision a theme and came up with three minor chord progression E-G and A. I didn't have the time but it did cross my mind adding a drum machine with a slow tempo stead beat. Well that didn't happened and the continuous three chords played like a movie in my head and when the tape ran out I had an idea and a visual of vampires. Vampires played and painted the whole vision and picture and when it was all recorded and done I titled it right there and then to remind me of the Vampire recording track experience which I titled "...And The Vampires Made Love".

The Recording:
This instrumental was written on Halloween of 2003 and done in two takes. One shot take on the left channel track using a Takamine nylon classical acoustic guitar. One shot take on the right channel track using an electric Fernandes strat style guitar. What I mean by one shot takes is that I didn't go back and re-record my parts due to mistakes or anything...It was done in one pass for both parts and the only over-dubs here was me playing the single lead guitar lines against my acoustic recorded guitar chords.

Recorded on a Tascam 484 four track cassette recorder with no effects. I recorded the acoustic guitar first until the cassette tape ran out for about 11 minutes and change. Then I just improvised on all over the place with the electric guitar using the same method of time. There's no editing, cleaning up or cut an paste anywhere so you'll hear some mistakes. But that's ok because it gives the track character and honesty. I've rarely ever use my Fernandes strat that is why you'll hear some crackling output jack noise and further into the song you'll also hear a missed note. Yeah I lost my place trying to look over how much time I had to play...Booo and big deal!! This hardest part of this song was to keep up and play those three chords non-stop and keep time for 11 minutes. Man... My left hand was killing me...lol

The Feel:
I made it a point not to over play too much with flash because I felt it would take away the love making mood... Instead I was searching for a feel, an emotion with a coldness without any heat. But a darkness filled with love, passion with evil.

Outlook:
This was the cheapest and fastest recorded project I've ever done and it goes to show sometimes you don't really need a million dollar studio to capture something special. It was just a magical night on Halloween 2003 and I'm glad it's was captured on tape...

The Story and Vision:
Candles, stained blood stain sheets, moon light shining in through the banging noise of French doors opening, closing and as curtains dance like fairies with the howling, blowing winds. Blood is scattered and lifeless bodies laying everywhere are tattered and torn. What once filled the hall with laughter and music is now taken over by the sounds of falling drops of liquid blood dripping and pouring into wine glasses. The lover vampires would feast and drink as they looked into each other eyes. Bounded and ever so madly in love for eternity... And The Vampires Made Love through the night in a ever so foggy and cold Octobere night.
One can say that love is only a God given gift and evil takes no part of it... or maybe this evil here is a survival state that still needs to be loved, held and cherish. Enjoy! ~JCM

How to get a BETTER Major Label Deal

Les Paul and Django Reinhardt



How to get a BETTER Major Label Deal Category: Music

Since I negotiate contracts, it often comes up how lousy [putting it nicely] the contracts are that are offered to 1st time Artists...

Now, it's a known fact that, if you are a new Artist, unless you have a really, really high "buzz factor" going on regarding you, your initial contract is going to SUCK! So, the trick is for the Artist to make their 1st contract last as short a time as possible, while the record company tries to make the 1st contract last as long as possible. Because, as soon as an Artist become's popular, the Artist is going to want to make more money and have more creative control than the initial contract would offer. And if it's over quickly, the Company is going to get stuck offering them a lot more money and power if they want them to re-up.

But, there is always that sucky 1st contract. You normally can't get around it. The key word is: "Normally". Here are some instances where a Major or Mini Major Record Company [doesn't matter what style of music you do] will give you a better offer, in no particular order:

1. Recording with, or being represented by a Successful Producer and/or Production Company

2. Being represented by a known and respected Manager. Preferably, one who has friends in the business, especially one who has Artists already with the Company you want to approach.

3. Out and out Hit Songs - and preferably in Master form, ready to put out there.

4. You've written hits for other Hit Artists.

5. You're already known in the entertainment industry, such as you've been an actor or model on TV, film, or what not.

6. The enthusiasm of the Company re: the Artist's potential.

7. The financial shape of the Company.

8. The "chemistry" between the negotiators (how they get along).

9. Record Companies previous bad experiences

10. Whether Publishing is involved [and how much].

11. Astrological signs, and such [I'm not kidding]!

12 But the best way??? Where the Record Company comes to YOU! And, all of a sudden you have a bidding war between companies for the right to sign you!

Now, what would make them come to you? Because you've created a gigantic "BUZZ" around you! People [your paying audience] loves you, and you're already selling a lot of records on your own - or with a small label. Everyone is writing about you. You have a large following in person and through your web site. It still doesn't hurt to have a powerful Manager or Producer representing you. And a few of the other's listed above. Just MAKE them want to come to you.
The fact is, most Major labels are extremely paranoid about signing anyone nowadays. Their preference is to have you sell 50,000 with an Indie, so they figure they're not taking a big chance. At that point, most Indie's distributors don't have that international reach that Majors have, so they kind of join hands, or the major makes a settlement with the Indie to take over your contract. Note: You'll find words to that effect - they'll usually use the term "Third Parties" -in an Artist's recording contract with an Indie.

Something to always keep in mind is, no matter WHO you sign with, make the contract as short as possible and make sure you can make money from side things, such as songwriting, merchandising and performing to make up for what you don't get from the Record Company.
Btw, when you run into these situations, I can help you. I know a lot of "tricks" that will help your negotiations, and I can deal with them for you. One key is to have certain OTHER things together before you deal with a label - large or small - for creative and financial benefit.

Professor PoochMusic Biz GuidanceEducation & DirectionComplete Contract Services

So called "Standard Contracts"...

So called "Standard Contracts"... Category: Music

I've run into so many people who say they've been given a "Standard" Songwriting or Management or Record Company Agreement [contract], with the person saying to them, "this is what everybody signs"...

If you ever see the word "Standard" at the top of a contract - ignore it!!! Have someone in the music business check it over carefully! There's no such animal as a "Standard Contract". I've seen way too many different Agreements of each type with the word Standard at the top.
There may be some standard parts [called "boilerplate"] in a contract, or it could be that person's or company's standard agreement. But, there's no such thing as a contract that's "standard" - that everyone gets from everywhere.

Believe me, besides stuff that should be changed or taken out, I bet there's important stuff LEFT OUT of the contract that should be PUT IN the contract to protect you!!!Allow me, or an established Entertainment Attorney to check your contracts to make sure you are properly protected!!!

Professor PoochMusic Biz GuidanceEducation & DirectionComplete Contract Services

Before You put Out Your CDs...

Before You put Out Your CDs...

I found this re-post necessary for those putting out CDs - I'm still seeing labeling problems that could cost you...

I've found that most people don't understand the differences & uses of (c) with (P) in regards to their use on products, word sheets, etc.

(c) stands for the SONG Copyright Ownership - Unpublished OR Published
Songs are Registered in Washington with FORM PA - Published or Unpublished

(P) does NOT stand for Published!

(P) stands for the RECORDING ownership - Production. That is, whomever Owns the Recording/Production.

Most often on CDs, etc., you will see, for example:

(P)2005 WMG [Note: WMG = Warner Music Group]

Now, you DON'T have to be a Record Company to own the Recording. If you PAID for the recording or you recorded it in your own studio, unless otherwise stipulated by a Contract - you Own it.

Sound Recordings are Registered with FORM SR.

An SR form can protect an individual(s) or company for...

Vocal Performances, and/or Instrumental Performances/Musical Arrangements, and/or "Beats", and/or Producer/Production... and the like.

What is important, either in PA or SR is the: "Copyright Claimant", [Number 4 on the forms]. That person or company is the Owner of what the form covers.

For complete step-by-step instructions on filling out Copyright Registration Forms, go to: www.professorpooch.com/Copyrighting.htm

Professor Pooch
Music Biz Guidance
Education & Direction
Complete Contract Services



http://www.professorpooch.com
Your Music Business
Resource Center

Songwriting & Publishing Royalties

Songwriting & Publishing Royalties Category: Music

When you think of the word "Publishing", most people think of "Books", and that a Publisher, sells books. Well, at one time there were no records or tapes, let alone CDs, Videocassettes and DVDs. Originally, people received all their music in the form of Sheet Music, that is, printed documents that contained words and notes of songs that allowed people to stand around a piano and sing with their friends and relatives.

Sheet Music still sells, [as well as Books of Sheet Music, known as "folios"] but this is a very small part of one of the most profitable parts of the Music Business. Songwriters and Music Publishers also can make sizable amounts of money worldwide from

1. Sale of Records, Tapes, CDs, DVDs, Videocassettes, etc. - anything containing Songs played on a mechanical device, and therefore called "Mechanicals".

2. Radio & TV [including Cable] Performances also known as "Airplay". This also includes "Jukeboxes", live and taped performances at restaurants, clubs, bars, hotels, casinos, health spas, etc., etc.

3. "Synchronization Rights" [when Songs are synchronized with Film and TV Movies, etc.]

4. Commercials [I bet you've noticed that advertisers are going more to Songs than Jingles, lately]

5. "Elevator Music" [when U hear Songs played in an elevator, supermarket, when "on hold" with a telephone, etc.]

6. Computer Chips, Computer Programs, Cell Phones [RING TONES - 600 million dollars last year!], Video Games

7. Etc., [including any new forms of technology and formats that seem to be appearing monthly!]

Simply put, whenever a Song is performed, no matter who performs it, the Songwriter and Publisher could [should] benefit! It is also the Music Business's best-kept secret- how it is possible to sometimes make quite a lot of money, with very little time and effort - IF you know how to play the game. Therefore, there's a lot of competition for publishing rights- and the money that goes with it.

Today, many Songwriters and Producers, as well as many others in the Music Business have their own Publishing Companies, something unheard of 30 years ago, because they want the publishing rights and the money that goes with them.

[You may Re-Post This! It was "Stolen" from my Music Publishing Course available on my Web Site...]

(c) 1984-2006 David J. Spangenberg

Do You Have A "Good" Product?

It's an Epiphone but does anyone know what model this is??

Do You Have A "Good" Product? Category: Music

I'm now going to ask you to think about yourself, your band or group, as well as your projects, as: "the Product"! Please put your ego away for a moment, and try to be completely objective:

1. Is the product packaged right?
2. Does it "perform satisfactorily", pleasing the public?
3. Does it achieve "repeat sales" in the market?
4. Is the product profitable?

Regardless of what you do, whether it's songwriting, singing, playing an instrument, arranging, producing, whatever it may be, you shouldn't merely want to deliver just a "Good" product. Sure, a good, reliable product will meet all the points above, maybe even including profitability. However, there are literally thousands of good products in the Music world, most of them satisfied to be merely that.

To get right to the point: "Good" is not "Good Enough"! Aim for an OUTSTANDING product! Dont get lost in the crowd of "Good" people and products!

The life of a "good product" doesn't have much in the way of excitement, and the returns are limited. After a while, a good product may simply slip out of the market and disappear because it doesn't improve, and therefore isn't competitive. In the Music Business, like any other, not moving ahead really means falling back - being replaced.

To prevent it - as well as a way of keeping your interest up and keeping the excitement flowing - you must constantly seek ways to improve. Take a look around, watch what's happening, listen, and look for opportunities to move up.

Know what you want, and know how to do it - and then Just Do It! Preparation and attitude make the decisions easier to make, and make you look, and be, professional.

stolen from my book on the Music Biz available on my web site - link below...(c) 1984-2006 David J. Spangenberg

What Causes Fear of Success?

What Causes Fear of Success? Category: Music
"Geeze, I Thought He'd Be a Big Star by Now!"

I've met so many talented people in my career, who should've "made it", but didn't, or who should become stars, but never will. They have all the talent in the world, but something always seems to get in the way of their success - and it's usually themselves. They don't always consciously realize it, but they continuously set up roadblocks that block their own path. They're loaded with excuses.

Now why would they ever want to block their own success? Well, they really don't want to, but somewhere deep inside of them they feel they "don't deserve" to be happy or successful. That they're "no good"! That "something's wrong with them"!

Well where did these thoughts come from? It often came from many years before, when they were little kids. Though they don't always remember hearing things like: "You're a bad kid!" "Can't you do anything right?" or "You're no good!," "I'm gonna tell your mother what you did!", etc., etc., these words were often spoken to them. The words could've been spoken to them by a parent or grandparent who had no patience, or often "had a bad day", or were too tired to deal with a lively young boy or girl. Maybe it was even another relative or neighbor, or a nursery school teacher that they saw often. These people surrounded their daily lives and therefore affected them mentally in one way or another very deeply.

You see, between the ages of 1 & 5 everything we hear from people that are close to us affects us deeply. A child that age can't reason out that a person may just have had a bad day, or was drunk or stoned, or had a mental problem, or was not really into being a parent, or just liked tearing down at an innocent little kid, wanting them "to feel as bad as they felt!" Could You picture a three year old thinking, let alone saying: "Who does that damn, drunken slob think she's talking to?" Or, "Awww, he's just had a bad day at the office. I'm sure he doesn't really mean what he said."

Now why/how could something that happened so many years ago affect their lives today! Simple. Unless you've sniffed too much glue, every experience, every word we've heard is somewhere in that amazing computer we have called a brain. Proof: Remember that song You just heard for the first time in years, but You magically remembered all the words. Or You walk into someplace and the smell instantly reminds You of something from another time, another place. Or a face You hadn't seen in years You recognize instantly - along with remembering their names. Or a person's voice reminds You of another voice You've heard.

The examples are endless. It's all there - including all that negative stuff that they've heard over and over again from people that were important to them; that they thought loved them; who were their friends. [Hey, if they were their friends, who needs enemies!] And, somewhere deep inside they think something's wrong with themselves; that they don't deserve to be successful, that they haven't earned the right to be successful, that they are being punished for all the bad things they'd "done" when they were really just little kids being er, kids!

Simply put, unless these people have committed some horrible crime like murder they probably deserve to be just as successful as anyone one else - as long as, obviously, the talent is there. I bet, if they asked themselves if there was some logical reason why they haven't made it, they'd have no logical answer- maybe just some excuses.

Well, the past is the past, and today is the start of the rest of their life. Successful people don't come up with excuses! They don't let anything get in their way! They use their imagination to come up with answers, ways to make it. They don't ask "Why?" they say "Why not!" They don't ask "How?" they come up with a way. They find a way to make it- instead of a reason not to!

Take just a few minutes and think about it. Could this be something that could've affected someone's career you know. Could this also be something that could be affecting you and your career. Yes think about it...

... but not for too long. There comes a time to stop thinking about things and start doing something about it! That time is now!

(c) 2004-06 David J. Spangenberg

Supreme Court Ends PRS/Gibson Lawsuit

Supreme Court Ends PRS/Gibson Lawsuit

June 6, 2006


Paul Reed Smith Guitars has announced that the United States Supreme Court today denied Gibson Guitar's final appeal of a Court of Appeals decision upholding PRS' right to make a single cutaway-style guitar.

When first introduced more than six years ago at the NAMM show, the PRS Singlecut® quickly captured the attention of artists and critics, winning awards for its design and quality. Gibson filed a suit in Nashville that asserted trademark infringement against its Les Paul guitar. After several years of litigation, the local federal district court judge initially sided with Gibson. That court ordered PRS to stop sales of its Singlecut®. Several companies joined PRS in urging the appellate court--the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit--to reverse the decision.

Last year, the Sixth Circuit ruled that an injunction should never have been issued by the lower court. The court observed that Gibson conceded that only "an idiot" would ever confuse a PRS Singlecut® and a Gibson Les Paul. Based on that concession and the overwhelming evidence, the Sixth Circuit found that Gibson's trademark case had no merit and summarily dismissed the suit. The Supreme Court's decision today leaves the Sixth Circuit opinion in place and ends Gibson's multi-year effort.

Paul Reed Smith, the company founder, stated: "Everyone was extremely supportive of our cause and our company over the last six years, fully embracing our decision to fight back against Gibson's charges." Smith added: "My thanks especially go to those in the industry who helped educate the court: the media, our industry peers, guitar craftsmen and industry scholars. Their help was invaluable."

What is happiness...

Happiness is as complicated as to learn to love yourself.

The Good...

Happiness comes within and to be fulfilled in one's own life is an everyday, day by day, inch by inch to make what makes you happy.

I play my guitar and it's what makes me happy. How far or good do I wanna be... Well that's my journey in life. I'm a performer/composer/guitarist and I have experience lots of love from people that are touched by my music. It did not happen over night and I've come along way to my high or happy place. Am I fulfilled?? Nope - very far from it and I still have my every day demons for me to deal with. Nothing worth having is ever easy. I went through struggles, mistakes, humiliation, hunger just to achieve my vision. I haven't even made the big times yet but it does not matter because I'm fulfilling myself in doing what I love to do.

I have this saying that I say almost everyday and I'm grateful... God... As long as my friends and family and there inner circle are healthy and doing well, everything else I can handle.

The Bad...

Unhappiness in the way we look can sometimes our biggest demon. The media feeds you through MTV, TV, radio, magazines and other force fed bull shit, to see what the norm is and we feel we don't fit in with trend, movie stars, and rock stars. Not to mention going through our golden years of being a child to adulthood. We become condition to be more afraid than to venture and experience. Most of the time we are told. No you can't do that, or that's impossible, no you are not good enough, you are too fat, short, ugly and I mean I can go on and on... So we start getting used too or mentally condition that we eventually believe that we can't do what we dream to do. Worst yet we get involved with the wrong crowd and sway ourselves into very dark places like drugs, alcoholism and waste precious years and sometimes we are in so deep that we never get out.

The Ugly... ahh the pill.. well not soo ugly....

Medication has come along way but it's not the answers to all of our problems either. Now I'm not talking about diseases or conditions that medication is a must. My mom takes medication that keeps her alive. Certain medication have done wonders while others have side effects that out weighted there promised good. I'm not savvy in this subject because I don't take any medication even for a headache. But what I can tell you is that 95% percent of my spam is about pills and commercials... Well you be the judge and I'll leave at that.

321 Max Video Clips with Tom Rimes

fr: Rowan

"...has a feature called "auto adjust tone" and I can lighten up the videos that came out really dark. I tested it out on the recent video I took of The Killing Floor playing "Voodoo Chile" at 321 Max. It came out much better. The clips are larger and grainier, but now you can SEE THEM! They're also in wmv format, which means they're much smaller in file size. There are two clips over on the Video Page - one of the guitar solo and one of a jam with JCM on guitar with Tom Rimes on alto sax. So check those out, too."

Thanks, chica. You have a BITCHIN' camera...

Video Clips

Featuring Tom Rimes (Larry's brother) tossing in some beautiful sax on Voodoo Chile at 321 Max.

...love a jam session like that! Thank you for catching 'em Rowan.

www.sarocks.com

The Killing Floor at 321 Max

Here's a glimpse of a quarter.

(Glimpse of a Quarter)

Four new tracks at Myspace:

www.myspace.com/thekillingfloor


All right here are four tracks and a glimpse off the new CD. Please make note that these four tacks have not yet been tweaked or mastered and this is only a quarter of the music. This is the first phase of mixing and I already hear couple of things that need attention.

I did not anticipate the whole recording and release of it to have taken this long and for that reason I decided to share the sounds. I hope you enjoyed them for blood, sweat, tears and some of my sanity was lost during the making of it and in which it's not over yet... ~JCM

The Killing Floor CD... Still mixing...

(This Yamaha LLX6 DN Dave Navarro Model was used for some of the acoustic sounds you'll hear on CD.)

Here's the latest on The Killing Floor's new CD...

Well... we have mixed four songs total as of today and tomorrow I'll hit it again...




(4-6-06)- Mixing... (10:00am - 4:00pm)

1.All I Dreamed To Do
2.Manic Depression

Notes:

All I Dreamed To Do: Took the most time mixing that day... Bring out the backing vocals and effects on lower voice over dubs with main vocal tracks. Just paying attention to details. The rhythms guitars are the main focus on this song... Solos were short and sweet and bass and drums are thunderous. This tunes is an all out Rock N' Roll song.

Manic Depression: This one has one track guitar with noise and all. Drum feature here!! This has the Hendrix vibe with The Killing Floor signature sound all over. Grit with lots of twang and feedback sustains notes. Long Live Jimi!!!

(Peter Carey of Rhythm Room Studios)

(4-11-06)- Mixing... (10:30am - 6:00pm)

3.It's Not Me
This one took about five hours to mix... There's soo many instrument tracks going on here. Backing vocals by Dave and Larry are superb... What took time here was EQing and balancing the right mix for the backing vocals without sounding too brassy. On another note... Live, this is one of the few songs that I do use heavy delay. So finding the right delay repeats value to match what I do live took some time also. This one I hold very dear to my heart. This is the sad and very dark ballet track.



4.Devil's Alley (Changed the title from Satan's Alley)
AAAhhh yes!! Twang surfy tones of the beach meets the crunch and the roar of a lion. Did I paint a pretty picture?? lol
There lots of guitars going back and forth on this instrumental. It was a blast to mix. I never intended to add this tune to the CD but now I'm glad that we did. We very rarely performed this number live because we have other tunes in the key of E that we jam and improvised all over the place.

I notice that Peter titled it Devil's Alley by mistake... I kinda liked the way it looked written and plus it paints a better picture. So I changed the title of the song from Satan's Alley to Devils' Alley. It also sounds good for a CD title too... Mmm maybe I used that... will see...

(4-13-06) (10:00am - ??) Mixing TOMORROW!

I don't know what song we will start mixing next... I'll know when I get there... ~JCM

SA Rocks Anniversary Party!

Don't forget! SA Rocks Anniversary Party Friday April 28th at the Elbow Room on Austin Hwy starting at 9:00pm with live blues and rock from The Killing Floor and Texas Special!

321 Max - April 7, 2006