SMITHRADIO | Gilmore Girls Actor and SMITHRADIO frontman Scott Patterson debuts 'HA HA' and its a NUMBER ONE hit!

SMITHRADIO frontman and Actor Scott Patterson behind the scenes on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon November 22, 2016

By CA Marshall

When he isn’t ‘Luke Danes’ from the epic new original Netflix series Gilmore Girls (GG), Los Angeles, California Based Actor Scott Patterson is the frontman for his own band, SMITHRADIO, (previously GORDON), a band he formed in June 2016 who have been blazing a trail of success ever since. Following their live benefit concert performances in West Virginia and New Jersey, the band headed back to LA anxious to begin recording tracks for what will be their upcoming debut album. Since, there’s been a pandemic among SMITHRADIO fans clamoring to hear even the tiniest sneak peek and their wait is over with the recent launch of HA HA, the band's debut single.

Before we get into the review, let’s back up a little and look at the chronological timeline of how this has all unfolded:

At the time of our last interview in September, Patterson was meeting only a few days later with the producer for the album. A few weeks later, a photo emerged on the SMITHRADIO facebook page featuring the frontman with Composer and Music Director Michael Nomad Ripoll (known for his work with Kenny Babyface Edmonds - “Playlist”, Celine Dion - “Loved Me Back to Life”, Justin Bieber - “Believe”, Colbie Caillat - “Gypsy Heart”, Barbra Streisand - “Partners”, and Aretha Franklin - “Sings the Great Diva Classics”) and Steve Ferrone, Drummer for the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Ferrone is a former member of the Average White Band and has recorded and performed with Duran Duran, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Slash, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, Bee Gees, Scritti Politti, and Johnny Cash). The quote on the photo simply read:

“With #SteveFerrone and #MichaelNomadRipoll Recording EP! #Epic! #RockBand #RockAlbum #Nomad #ScottPatterson #DebutAlbum #Pumped”

Then, on October 20^th, Patterson again posted a second studio photo of himself with Producer Rich Mouser at ‘The Mouse House’ Studio in LA. This time the message read:

"Zoux Magic! Trax Magic! @nomadsplace @RichMouserMusic @zouxmusic Scott-Patterson-lbhj.squarespace.com/shop/ #RockAlbum #GilmoreGirls #ScottPatterson"

Mouser’s client credentials include: Robert Trujillo (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne); Chris Vrenna (Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Tweaker); Joe Holmes (Ozzy Osbourne); Tears for Fears; Chris Cornell; Dream Theater; Transatlantic; Oleander; Weezer; and Spocks Beard. It is clear that Patterson has carefully chosen to align SMITHRADIO with some of the industries finest for the world debut of HA HA.  

Following the recording photo posts on social media, Patterson announced that SMITHRADIO’s debut single HA HA would drop on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon November 23^rd, 2016, only two days before the world release of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life on Netflix sending fans into a frenzy. On November 22^nd, Patterson appeared on The TonightShow with Jimmy Fallon alongside his GG alumni, Sean Gunn and Liza Wiel. Along with discussion about the new original Netflix series, Fallon also took the liberty of expressing his keen interest in the new single. (see below).

The timing of the HA HA song release (by Patterson’s newly formed label ‘Blind Horse Records’) in conjunction with the Thanksgiving holiday and GG Netflix release was brilliant planning on his part, because it currently sits at number one on the iTunes Indie Rock Song Top 100 Chart making it the best selling single for 2016 on iTunes in that genre. This has been much-anticipated from the band’s fans on a global scale. In fact, during a recent interview with Patterson (for our Spotlight series - see here: GORDON No. 1 and GORDON No. 2), he admits that the band’s international fan base response has been incredible.

Upon listening to HA HA for the first time, I could immediately identify with Patterson’s writing style: he admits that Musician Patti Smith is a muse for his compositions and the classic Punk Rock vocals and instrumentation you hear in HA HA is reflective of this fact. This is an extremely heart-pumping raw number infused with creativity unheard of in today’s music industry and I must say, it’s about time! This is the kind of sound reminiscent of the early 80’s Punk Rock scene with an original twist of its own. Patterson is very serious about demonstrating his ability to bring his years of collective artistic creation (he’s been writing since third grade!), vision, and passion for Punk Rock music into fruition and he has achieved that in the form of HA HA.

When interviewing Patterson last, he mentioned that HA HA 'wasn’t like anything anyone has ever heard before', and he is correct in this claim. This is a song that enters with drums pounding at mach speed followed by intense guitar riffs that will blow your mind! The lyrics, a mix of emphatic anger and excitement, are something you can easily imagine on the CBGB stage back in it’s hey day. 

HA HA is the perfect song to debut SMITHRADIO because it shows exactly how far this band is willing to stretch conventional ‘debut’ boundaries both lyrically and instrumentally onto the indie music scene. I find that often, bands will come in with something a little more timid and cautious and this finds them often overlooked when it comes to serious radio play. HA HA breaks this mold: it is a song that breaks out of the barn gates kicking, screaming, and waking up the neighbors. To be perfectly honest, it wouldn’t surprise me if it were picked up by every major radio station on an international level. HA HA is a crash-course for GG fans who more than likely wouldn’t expect something like this from the seemingly reserved, introverted, and grumpy ‘diner owner’ in Stars Hollow. In fact, I could easily envision Patterson performing HA HA at full on intensity then dropping his mic, walking off the stage elated, dripping in sweat, and leaving his audience jumping up and down shouting for more.

Now that SMITHRADIO has spread its wings with the ‘HA HA’ debut, we are looking forward to seeing how high the rest of the album can soar. There's already tour talk slated for early 2017 and an appearance on the TODAY show November 29th. We are confident that we are witnessing the beginning successes from a band that will absolutely go the whole distance. 

SMITHRADIO, you are bookmarked and in our top ten and your fans are ready for more – now, BRING IT! 

________________

SMITHRADIO Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

iTunes

Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life - SMC Editor-in-Chief's ode to Writer/Producer Amy Sherman-Palladino

by Editor in Chief: Candice Anne Marshall

Fans of the original Gilmore Girls (GG) series know now that the writing and production of American born Director/Producer/Writer Amy Sherman-Palladino as of late has come full circle with the recent launch of the new original Netflix series 'Gilmore Girls, A Year In The Life' (November 25th, 2016). I can speak from experience when I say that we writers create our best work from our most emotive state and our best writing comes not only from a place of passion for the subject, but also from a place of feeling connected to that subject as well. I knew that after watching these series I would be writing the review from an emotive state because that’s just how Sherman-Palladino managed tore-connect to fans after the shows abrupt end in 2007. (A decision that the writer clearly has stated in countless interviews wasn’t one she was involved in making) I am certain that she achieved satisfied victory in the hearts of all GG fans when she created this four-part series titled: Winter, Spring,Summer, and Fall focusing on the lives of three beloved women/icons they have all come to know and love: Emily, Lorelai, and Rory Gilmore. Sherman-Palladino went beyond our expectations and extracted the very essence of life by touching on matters of the heart, sarcastic humor, real-life situations, and our own purpose here on earth through these characters. She writes with absolute intention knowing full well that the execution of the Gilmore Girls story will ultimately connect true fans, friends, family and lovers of the show to one another for life.

How?

**STOP HERE IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS!*

The Cast of Gilmore Girls at the Netflix Premiere of 'Winter' last week

Well, let's stop for a moment to talk about our beloved Richard Gilmore, a magnificent and powerful presence in the series regardless of his physical absence in the show. Indeed, fans of the late Actor Edward Hermann  mourned greatly upon his passing on December 31st, 2014, less than a year shy of the filming of these new episodes. There isn't a fan on earth who knew his importance throughout series as the powerful patriarch of the Gilmore family. We mourn again in 2016 via the cleverly written script (balanced evenly throughout each episode) lending a true ode to just how deeply Hermann  is honored not just among fans, but also the cast and crew. There is no doubt that the 'acting' and references of how profound his absence is missed comes from an honest place in the hearts of Kelly Bishop, Lauren Graham, and Alexis Bledel, who knew him as husband, father, and grandfather both on screen and off. Their tears in these episodes were real, as are ours.

But let's remember just how long it's really been.....

Our beloved characters have aged (very gracefully!) and circumstances in their lives have changed as a result of father time.Sherman-Palladino has respectfully picked up at present day by not dismissing these important details: Rory is no longer the young woman venturing out into the world we remember and Lorelai is no longer the feisty young mom with a side of 'hip and happening'. These actors have come into their own so to speak: Rory is 32, has come to a crossroads in her life by making the decision to become a serious writer, and is on the precipice of motherhood herself. Lorelai is now settled and at peace with her decision to (finally!) marry Luke and settle into a more secure place in life by understanding her own mortality after the loss of her father. All are a little wiser to the uncertainties that life brings and they embrace these inevitable changes with grace, openness, sarcastic humor(why should that ever change? That is Gilmore after all!), and dignity.

I would be amiss if I didn't also touch on the final and most anticipated scene of this new series: the wedding. of course it was going to be Luke and Lorelai! This has been a moment that fans have been waiting for since the series ended abruptly in 2007 and there is no doubt in my mind that the long standing on again, off again deep friendship of Luke and Lorelai should end in marriage. Again, this demonstrates Sherman-Palladino's understanding of just what closure true Gilmore Girls fans deserved eight years ago by solidifying this matter of the heart and Actors Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson executed this seamlessly. Sherman-Palladino went a step further demonstrating the true character of the rebellious Lorelai we have come to know and love by having she and Luke elope in a deeply moving, magically infused,private, and spontaneous ceremony on the eve of their actual wedding day. This was better than we could ever imagine (seeing Lorelai walk down the aisle in a formal ceremony would have been very un-Gilmore-like. After all, she did runaway from home being 16 and pregnant in the beginning....). Although the scene lasted no more than ten minutes, it was all that GG fans needed to feel completely at peace with the ending of this magnificent series. The moment was made even more intimate by having Sam Philips' song 'Reflecting Light'resurface once again for this special occasion. True GG fans will remember that this song was played during the first intimate moment that Luke and Lorelei shared way back in season four of the series during the dance at Liz and TJ's wedding (reference: 'Luke can waltz!'). There is no doubt that these best of friends were meant to finally unite one day and that day is now. (see below)

Appearances throughout the four-part series by all cast members were perfectly placed throughout the show and as quickly as they entered, they exited, reminding us of our own truths in life: people come and go. Some stay and are in our lives forever. Some are only there for a reason, a season, or a lesson. What Sherman-Palladino achieved through the final execution of this Gilmore Girls story is truth: we honor the people in our lives and our memories of/with them by holding them in the deepest recesses of our hearts always.

I couldn't write this review without also giving ode to the dear people in my own life who have come to mean so much to me during the same time that this series began in 2000 to its final famous 'last four words'(don't worry, I won't spoil it in here, you'll have to watch!). It would be a disservice to this exceptional writer and the actors in this series to focus solely on the fiction of their characters; I believe the intention of this series is for all of us to remember, honor, respect, and connect to what is REAL in our own lives and the similarities in circumstances. There isn't one part of this show that any one of us couldn't relate to: there will always be deep joys and sorrows we come to experience in this lifetime. My hat's off to all the cast and crew who were able to take what Sherman-Palladino wrote and bring us that deeply personal connection in our own lives through their exceptional acting. Therein lies the magnificence and meaning of Gilmore Girls.

Amy Sherman-Palladino with husband Daniel Palladino

From one writer to another, and on behalf of all the fans of the world: thank you Amy,it was perfect.

Smell that?That’s my coffee brewing. I am about to watch it all over again…….

____________________

Enjoy the ATX Festival Panel: "Gilmore Girls" 15 Year Reunion presented with Entertainment Weekly (2015) below!

Louder Than Life Festival 2016 | Intimate interview with Them Evils by Arica Waters

Them Evils with Contributor/Photographer/Music Journalist for Starlight Music Chronicles Arica Waters

by Arica Waters

photography by: Arica Waters

By the line-up alone, I knew that the Louder Than Life Concert was going to be a hit. Names such as Korn, Ghost, Disturbed and two back-to-back headliners such as Avenged Sevenfold and Slipknot was easily going to be the best festival of the year. Immediately upon arrival through the gates we were surrounded by metal heads, rock n roll fans and even small children. The atmosphere was phenomenal. 

I was lucky enough to interview Them Evils, a rock and roll band from Huntington Beach, California, on the first day. Here's what they had to say:

Arica Waters: Where are you guys from?

Jordan: We’re from Orange County, California which is where we started but we (Jake and I) are from Las Vegas. Nothing was working out for us out there.

Arica Waters: How did you all meet?

Jordan: Well Jake and I grew up together.

David: We met through a mutual friend who I went to high school with. I was in the middle of looking for a band and right when I was about to drop everything I got a call that these guys were looking for a drummer. They sent me some music and we did some covers like Alice and Chains.

Arica Waters: So you guys headlined the pre-party, how was that?

David: It was at the 4th street live venue which is like in the middle of the street so there was a lot of foot traffic.

Arica Waters: Who are you guys looking forward to see?

David: SLAYER!!

Jake: Slipknot

Arica Waters: Slipknot is sooo good and just insane.

Arica Waters: Since this is you guys’ first time at Louder Than Life what do you expect to see?

Jordan: I expect craziness from the crowd.

David: We play at 11:00 so we hope to set the mood for the day.

Jordan: We are gonna wake everyone up.

Arica Waters: Just run through the campsite and yell “We go on in ten minutes.”

David: Well he (Jake) has a wireless bass.

Arica - So you guys have a tour coming up yeah?

David: We are actually in the middle of tour right now.

Arica - What’s a tour tip you guys would give?

Jordan: Bring wipes

Jake: Wipes and a shower

Jordan: Be prepared to put up with each others shit.

Jake: You just gotta be comfortable with each other.

David: We are on the road for three months like these are my girlfriends.

Jake: I’ll get bitchy, he’ll get bitchy.

Jordan: When we get mad at each other we will get naked and cuddle each other.

Arica - So that’s how you solve you guy’s problems (laughs)?

Jake: They’ll tell me I’m an idiot and I’m like take your pants off.

Arica - Who is the craziest on tour?

Everyone: Laughing and looking at Jake.

Jordan: There’s this thing called Shadow Monster where he takes his clothes off and climbs on everything. He’ll rub his junk on everything and its horrible but it’s hilarious.

Jake: We were in a van last tour so it’s more awkward when you take off your clothes because in an RV I can just stand up naked. I just like to push the limits.

Arica - On a more serious note I know you guys dropped everything and made the decision to join the band can you tell me more about that?

Jake: We in a sense dropped everything to move but we didn’t drop everything because we still had our jobs but we couldn’t pass up the opportunities.

Arica - Now I want to talk about Rock n Roll. I am from Cleveland and there is a very big metal scene. We do have the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame but not too many bands. The bands that are a part of that genre have been around and established for years so why that genre?

Jordan: We play what we love to hear. We love rock n roll.

Jake: I’ve been in many different kind of bands rock bands, metal bands and hardcore bands and rock n roll was just something we loved to play and write.

Arica - How long have you guys been playing your instruments?

David: 12 years

Jordan: 11 years. As soon as I picked up a guitar I stopped skateboarding and became anti-social and would listen to AC/DC.

Arica - Thank you guys so much I can’t wait to see you perform tomorrow!

Them Evils was a blast to interview and they impressed me even more with their performance on Day 2 on the Zorn Stage at 11am.

  Pictured: David Delaney II

Pictured: Jordan Griffin

 Pictured: Jacob Massanari

Even though it was 11 o’clock in the morning Them Evils started off the day right: they had high energy which had their audience headbanging and engaged. Jake even came into the crowd with his wireless bass. This is a band that leaves a powerful impression and I look forward to seeing them in the future!

How To Make It in the New Music Business | by Ari Herstand

Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician

By Ari Herstand

Release date: December 6th, 2016

$29.95

Hardcover

Praise for How To Make It in the New Music Business:

“This is the single best book on the current music business. An absolute must-read for every musician.” -Derek Sivers, Sivers.org, founder of CD Baby

"Ari is at the front of the front. He gets it. I've read a hundred how-to-make-it-in-the-music-biz books, and this one is today's definitive, comprehensive manual." ―Jack Conte, 150+ million YouTube views, Pomplamoose, CEO of Patreon

“There is a great divide between what the young musician thinks being a rock star is and what actually working as a musician entails. Ari fills in the blanks with his light hearted yet blunt demeanor. He's the informed older brother most of us never got in this crazy, confusing industry.” -Andy Grammer, chart-topping singer/songwriter

"Incredibly valuable. Not just for musicians, but for entrepreneurs and anyone else wanting to succeed in the music business. Ari has written the ultimate guide on how to make it in the music business. Incredibly detailed yet fun to read, this is the book that generations of musicians will rely on to build their careers. One day, all these quotes will be replaced by quotes from A-list rock stars who got their start by reading this book.” - Philip Kaplan, CEO and founder of DistroKid, Fandalism

“Ari understands this space. He gives a tremendous amount of information. Anyone wanting to make music for a living should read this, period.” -Peter Hollens, 150+ million YouTube views

“How To Make It In The Music Business is the one book I wish I had when I started doing music 4 years ago. It is now the book I emphatically recommend to all my musician friends in any and every stage of their career. Ari, through his personal experience as a musician and research curated from industry experts, breaks down a myriad of topics and concepts that are crucial to independent music success. One of the best investments you can make if you are serious about your independent music career. It’s the new Bible for independent musicians.” -Gospel Lee, Billboard charting hip-hop artist

“There are few careers more difficult than being a professional musician, but How to Make It in the New Music Business will absolutely increase your chances of success. Ari Herstand is a fresh, emerging authority on a music industry that is just taking shape, and a fearless tour guide in a brand-new jungle. I highly recommend this for your music career.” -Paul Resnikoff, publisher, Digital Music News

“There are a lot of books that attempt to describe how to make and do ‘it’ in the music business. What sets Ari apart is his not only his insatiable curiosity, research and conclusions but also the fact that he is a musician that has actually done the very ‘it’ he writes about. Reading Ari’s book teaches you what the music industry actually is, not what others think it should be.” -Jeff Price, founder of TuneCore, Audiam

“No one has ever laid out a roadmap to a successful music career in today’s world as Ari has in his book. Covering things like proper etiquette when emailing promoters to getting your songs placed in film and TV, Ari expedites the sometimes tedious process of learning what it takes to be a professional musician. If you want to take your career seriously, read this book.” -Andrew Leib, artist manager

“Ari Herstand tackles the complexities of the music business in a way that any indie artist or songwriter can understand. He’s got deep sympathy for music creators who want to make a living from their art―and a ton of practical advice on how to do it.” -Etan Rosenbloom, director and deputy editor, Marketing & Communications, ASCAP

“At a time when everyone is complaining about how the music industry is not supporting artists, Ari offers hope in the form of practical, usable advice. I know that his DIY-with-a-team approach works, because he, like hundreds of others who follow a similar path, are living their dreams as working musicians.” -Bruce Houghton, Skyline Music/Hypebot.com

“Every time Ari Herstand writes about a topic in the music industry, he absolutely nails it. Plus, being a full-time musician himself, his insights are that much more valuable to aspiring artists. Couldn’t recommend this book highly enough.” -Dave Cool, director of Artist & Industry Outreach, Bandzoogle

“Ari is the first person I turn to for advice on anything music business related. It’s especially wonderful because his advice is coming from a place of actual experience. He’s living it.” -vōx, chart-topping artist

“Ari Herstand is a leader in the DIY music movement and has written the perfect recipe for success." -Patti Silverman, SF MusicTech Summit, SXSW

---

Forget everything you think you know about the odds of “making it” in the music industry. Today, odds mean nothing and success is not about lucky breaks. It’s about conquering social media, mastering the art of merchandising and simply working harder and being smarter than everyone else. We are living in the midst of an industry renaissance, one that has left the record companies desperately struggling to maintain their prominence, as a subculture of dedicated, DIY (do-it-yourself) musicians have taken over. These days talent is a given and success has to be earned.

In 2008, Ari Herstand boldly turned in his green Starbucks apron to his manager, determined to make a living off his craft as a singer/songwriter. Almost a decade later, he has become a founding member of the new DIY movement and a self-sustaining musician, all without the help of a major label. Now, drawing from years of experience, Herstand has written the definitive guide for other like-minded artists, the ones who want to forge their own path and not follow the traditional markers of success, like record sales, hits on the radio or the amount of your label advance. Incredibly comprehensive and brutally honest throughout, How to Make It in the New Music Business covers every facet of the "new" business, including how to:

• Build a grass-roots fan base―and understand the modern fan
• Book a profitable tour, and tips for playing live, such as opening vs. headlining etiquette, and putting on a memorable show
• Become popular on YouTube, Spotify and SoundCloud
• Get songs placed in film and television
• Earn royalties you didn’t know existed and reach your crowdfunding goals

Musicians will not only be introduced to all the tools available today but will be shown how to effectively leverage them to actually make money. More important, they will develop the mindset to be aware of new advancements both online and in the real world and always stay in tune with a constantly evolving landscape.

There has never been a better time to be an independent musician. Today, fans can communicate with their idols by simply picking up their phones, artists are able to produce studio-worthy content from their basement and albums are funded not by "record men" but by generous, engaged supporters. As result,How to Make It in the New Music Business is a must-have guide for anyone hoping to navigate the increasingly complex yet advantageous landscape that is the modern music industry.

---

Foreword by Derek Sivers:

SINCE THE 1980S, I’VE READ EVERY PUBLISHED BOOK ABOUT THE MUSIC business. Every single one. And there have been some good ones. But never before have I seen one book that sums it up so perfectly and

helpfully as Ari Herstand’s How to Make It in the New Music Business. It’s so brilliant I feel like doing personal house calls to every musician on earth to make sure they read it.

Now let’s clarify a term: The music business is different than the musician business. The music business is covered by Billboard magazine, and talks about label executives moving from Warner to EMI, or this year’s top-grossing stadium tours by classic rock acts from the 1970s. You don’t care about that. The musician business is how you make a successful living from your music. That’s what you care about.

Even the better music business books are usually written by consultants, executives, lawyers and journalists. Well intentioned, but missing one crucial thing: knowing what it’s like to be you—to pour your soul into a song, the terrifying excitement of uploading it for the world to hear, the disgusting discomfort of self-promotion, the devastating disappointment of an indifferent world.

Ah, but Ari gets it. He’s you. He’s out there promoting his own music right now. He’s sharing lessons he learned firsthand. (And lucky for you, he’s keeping this book focused on you and your success, not his.)

They say the best teacher is someone who’s just learned it themselves, because they still remember what it’s like to not know, and how to explain it in a way that gets you from here to there.

I’ve never met Ari and I’ve never even heard his music, but I’m a superfan of what he’s done on ArisTake.com and now this book. Because I’m a superfan of musicians getting successful, and I think this book is the best in the world right now at helping you do that.

Ari Herstand Bio:

Most musicians now know Ari Herstand (pronounced Ar*ee Her*stand) as the guy who has helped them fly with their instruments, book national tours, get songs placed on TV and make more money with their music career - without the help of a label. Herstand’s music business advice blog, Ari’s Take, was nominated by the LA Weekly as the best music blog in Los Angeles and has become a go-to resource for DIY musicians worldwide.

He will be releasing the preeminent book on the new music industry entitled, How To Make it In The New Music Business (Norton/Liveright Publishing), December 2016.

Ari Herstand is a DIY musician who has played over 600 shows around the country, has opened for or toured with Ben Folds, Cake, Matt Nathanson, The Milk Carton Kids and Ron Pope, has performed on Ellen, and has had his music featured in countless TV shows, commercials and films. He currently fronts the funk band Brassroots District and is a member of the acoustic trio Young Canyon.

Herstand is a staff writer for Digital Music News and has also written for many of the top musician trade magazines and websites including Music Connection Magazine, American Songwriter, Playback Magazine, CD Baby, Tunecore, Reverbnation, Roland, Discmakers, ASCAP, Hypebot and others. He has been a featured speaker at SF MusicTech, SXSW, ASCAP Music Expo, CD Baby's DIY Musician Conference and in music business classrooms worldwide.

As an actor, he has co-starred in TV shows including Transparent, Aquarius, Mad Men, 2 Broke Girls, The Fosters, Sam & Cat and Touch.