BEAST SOULTONE ENDORSEMENT

Hector "Beast" Gomez, heavy metal drummer for the Vegas Molten Metal band CONTROL THE CHAOS briefly highlights his new endorsement with manufacturer SOULTONE Cymbals

Now Online: Guidance Videos and Guitar Tabs for Control the Chaos' Songs

Hosted by Control the Chaos' guitarist, Cody Davis - the band has released three new guidance videos to help avid fans and ambitious guitarists learn and play along with the group's most popular releases.

Included in the series are the songs:  RISE AGAIN, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE and a pre-release version of the newest CTC project: TAKE AUTHORITY.

"There was a ton of interest in learning our songs and we had some outside musicians asking to audition," states Davis. "Posting the videos on YouTube and also submitting the guitar tabs on UltimateGuitar.com allows the world to access our music in the best way possible - by actually playing along with us."

"Today's classroom is online. When it comes to music, YouTube is the teacher and sites like UltimateGuitar are the textbook," adds Ed Fassio, CTC's General Manager.

"The more people that become familiar with our music, the better," adds bassist CJ Hulet. "It also lets us have more flexibility when it comes to collaboration and session work."

The new videos, recorded in HD are immediately available for viewing and download.

You can also access the guitar tabs via the links below:

http://www.youtube.com/ctcrocks

http://profile.ultimate-guitar.com/controlthechaos/

HMW Buys Itchy Metal, Signs New Artist & Launches Label

“We confirm a full buy-out of Las Vegas based, Itchy Metal Entertainment after a year of close evaluation,” states Harley Cantrell, Chief Marketing Officer for Heavy Metal-World.

Heavy Metal-World is a new media agency based in Los Angeles, CA comprised of industry experts and developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music by leveraging emerging platforms and partners. HMW set out to find a “secret recipe for success” amongst indie outfits. After much exploration within traditional record label marketing environments, the company took an interest in Itchy Metal Entertainment after a recommendation to investigate the increasing success of the band “Control the Chaos” by an industry tastemaker.

“What we found was a fascinating story. Itchy Metal was able to take four teenagers from obscurity to notoriety in less than 48 months.  Their team made a sudden impact and the industry took notice. They’ve accomplished some very unique things as an independent and we became very intrigued by their formula,” added HMW’s company rep. “We felt this aligned with the new models we’ve been researching and considered IME a very solid investment.”

Established in 2008, Vegas-based Itchy Metal Entertainment is led by Ed Fassio, a tech veteran with over 20 years of professional experience helping break service and revenue records at companies like Adobe Systems, Microsoft Corporation and Apple Computer. “It started out with the simple, self-realization that if I could contribute to the massive success of some of the largest companies in the world, then I should be able to do the same for my own projects. The next day, IME was born,” explains Fassio.

Initially a PR company, Fassio began expanding the capabilities of Itchy Metal Entertainment to support and accelerate the growth of the family music project “Control the Chaos” a young, heavy metal band with notable momentum across the west coast indie music scene.

“Everyone knows that CTC is a literal family. They are all brothers and we all live together. Angie and I spend all of our time with the boys and along with a ton of blessings, that’s some of the magic that makes it all work,” says Fassio.

But Itchy Metal Entertainment quickly became more than just a promo resource. As the band grew, so did the possibilities for IME. “We needed things, we needed more. With big dreams and limited resources, we learned to do everything ourselves. All the artist dev, promoting, booking and merchandising, even the recording and internet strategy, and the tour – it was all from our own resources and relationships. We have an incredible team,” said Angelica Hyder, co-manager of Control the Chaos.

“The terms are confidential, but I can say that we’re extremely pleased with the proposal,” says Fassio. 

He continues: “My intention is to remain in an executive capacity post-acquisition and transition the primary management duties of CTC. There are a lot of moving parts. IME will extend the capabilities of a traditional record label by leveraging new, developing platforms allowing us to take full advantage of the digital marketplace. I’m also extremely proud to announce that “Control the Chaos” will be the first heavy metal artist signed to HMW. Right now, we are actively scouting unique talent for new projects – and not just metal. Heavy Metal World will concentrate on a more aggressive catalog, while Itchy Metal will re-brand into IME Records, serving all genres.”

IME plans to concentrate on the artist development, artist relations, talent scouting and management aspects of the business. HMW will focus attention on promotion, marketing, distribution and merchandising channels. The combined entity will continue to explore new product and service models along with seeking out additional partnerships to enhance and expand resources and offerings.

HMW Artist "Control the Chaos" Releases 2nd Full-length DVD - The Village Sessions

Control the Chaos - The Village Experience from Control the Chaos on Vimeo.

As they expand their world-wide marketing and merchandising footprint, Vegas Molten-Metal band, "Control the Chaos" is proud to announce their second, full-length DVD release entitled "Control the Chaos: The Village Sessions", featuring exclusive footage from their milestone recording session at LA’s Village Studios and the band’s first national tour.

The DVD will be released to distribution via New Media agency Heavy Metal-World. It will also be marketed via the band's official website and social media pages.  Included on the disc is a candid perspective from each member on their summer 2010 experience, musical influences and the key components of their early success. Bonus scenes on the full documentary feature in-depth discussion on the impact producer Dave Hampton has had on the band’s momentum and sound, along with additional interviews with the band’s management team.

A MUST-HAVE collector's item for fans of this up and coming young metal machine and their Vegas Molten-Metal sound! A shortened preview of the documentary can be viewed here:

http://vimeo.com/17106465

The disc is available for immediate purchase by visiting:
http://bit.ly/CTCVillageDoc

About Control the Chaos:

Young rockers “Control the Chaos” have built an incredible resume which helped skyrocket them to one of the most recognizable names and respected bands within the Vegas metal music scene.

With dedication and an incessant appetite for success, the youngsters held a rapid-fire performance schedule surpassing 200+ shows, self-managing a national tour, securing business sponsorships and winning 2 People's Choice awards for Las Vegas' Best Young Band- all while still attending high school.

So ambitious was the band’s strategic marketing efforts, that by mid-year CTC proudly commanded one of the most coveted achievements in today’s technology driven marketplace: the #1 search return on Google for best young metal band west coast and continues to develop as the internet’s beloved face of adolescent heaviness.

About Heavy Metal-World:

Heavy Metal-World is a new media agency HQ’ed in Los Angeles, CA comprised of industry experts and developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music by leveraging emerging platforms and partners.

About Itchy Metal Entertainment:

Recently acquired by Heavy Metal-World, Inc. Itchy Metal Entertainment is a Las Vegas, NV - based music production company. IME specializes in artist development, talent scouting, music recording, producing and distribution as well as internet marketing campaigns and strategies – aka “IME Records”.

 

"Collapsed Veins" by Control the Chaos

One of my favorite CTC songs that has yet to be released. It's a haunting reflection of time wasted on pointless arguments, disagreements and estrangement.

CONTROL THE CHAOS – “Collapsed Veins”

©2010 Itchy Metal Entertainment

How can I forget the faded leaves of fall?

Fires cross the table

While things are growing old

In the afterlife I drowned

Deep beneath your lake

Giving up my spirit, while taking on my fate

How can I believe those things you said to me?

Using up my feelings, like winds through empty trees

If we take this world for granted how selfish we would be

To think that all creation was made for you and me

Consuming all the grace, staring at your face

Peeling back the outside skin, a picture of disgrace

But you yourself had said it

These veins have all grown cold

There’s nothing more to turn to

There’s nothing left that’s gold…

OMG, Hide the Kids!! Satan is Here!!!!

So CTC played a party last night in Los Angeles- South Gate to be specific. It was a couple hundred people, private venue for a sweet 16. It kind of resembled the MTV show, except instead of a rapper coming on stage in between the DJ set, the live music of choice was Heavy Metal. We were happy to do it because the birthday girl and hosts of the party are family, and also happen to be huge fans.

This is interesting for the following reasons:

• Traditional birthdays in South Gate are usually accompanied by a DJ and a live band performing Mexican music. But not this time.
• Since the majority of the party was teenagers, they were able to express their music preference – which was majority interest in Metal.
• Heavy Metal is making an aggressive move into popular culture, indicative of our presence during a birthday party. This could be promising.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting…

For those not familiar with South Gate, it’s a city right in between Lynnwood, CA and it’s more famous sister-city Compton, CA (thanks NWA). Corporate America hasn’t tainted it. You’ll still find boulevards of private businesses up and down main-street. It’s a small journey to find anything like Wal-Mart or Costco. Even the local record store (Yuri’s) is still privately owned and awesomely independent.

It’s a loud city. On any given weekend, and sometimes weekdays you can hear parties going off for blocks. DJs spin in backyards from dusk ‘til dawn and you can usually find traditional bandas going for even longer. And when live entertainment isn’t an option, car stereos pump the jams through subs and tweets, doors open and people partying. The city is ALIVE and even though some outer areas can get a little rough, all-in-all it’s pretty cool in South Gate.

It’s a mostly hispanic neighborhood, but there are blacks, whites and a few asian residents sprinkled around. It’s very community-driven. Neighbors smile at each other, wave as they journey to-and-from work, school, church and whatever. Ice cream trucks with screaming children running down the sidewalks. There’s definitely a police presence, but unless something’s on fire or you fit a criminal profile they don’t bother anyone. You’ll find cop cars driving past party after party and usually not so much as a glance happens.

Might seem like an inviting place for a band right? Well, yes – unless that band happens to play Heavy Metal.
In a city built on volume, we find ourselves regularly doing battle with bullshit. Even casual jams at private residences cause drama. The first heavy riff that comes through the amps and cops are already at the door. “You’re too loud, we can hear you for blocks,” is the standard complaint. We’ve even heard, “Hey, I like your kind of music but the rest of the neighborhood is complaining so you have to shut it down.” All the while, we can hear techno, hip-hop and Tex-Mex blaring throughout the surrounding air. We point at the house across the street in protest; the cops shrug and tell us we’ve been warned. Like I said: bullshit.

Last night was the icing on the cake. The party was paid for in full. The venue owners were informed of the intention to have a DJ which would play dance, traditional and requests. They also were informed way in advance that there would be a young, rock band playing for about 30-40 minutes in direct honor of the birthday girl. Maybe they didn’t realize that it was going to be a “Metal” band. Who cares? Is that really any of their business??

Well, we should’ve prepared ourselves when we saw the initial reactions during set-up and sound-check. Eyes opened wide. A few people stared at us and whispered disapproving comments to each other. Some covered their ears as if a few guitar chords (to check line levels) were causing them some type of excruciating pain. We even saw some grab their kids as if the devil himself might snatch them up.

To be fair to the audience, it was only a few random folks seemingly “shocked” that we were there. Hell, it was only sound-check so we paid it no mind. But little did we know that our biggest critics, and the most disturbed by our presence was the venue owners and their security team.

Here’s what happened next: Everything was going well. The party was in full swing. The music was pumping, people were dancing. Then, it came time for CTC to take the stage and the place literally went nuts. People of all ages started screaming and pumping their fists in the air. Hundreds ran to the front of the stage to prepare for the show and we were met with huge smiles and cheers of anticipation. Smoke slowly filled the stage, the lights began to flash and CTC exploded into their set – and it was freaking awesome.

The hired camera crew was wild with excitement. They were running around trying to capture as many angles as possible without getting in the way of the performance. People were singing along to the originals and the covers and for the first few songs, things were phenomenal.

Then, all of the sudden – without warning, the power was cut. Not a fuse blown, not an overload on the circuits. The power was intentionally shut off. Well, by this time the room was already in a frenzy so instead of stopping, the band continued leading the crowd into an acapella sing-along with just the drums intact. The absence of electricity didn’t stop a damn thing. In fact, it pissed us off to the point that we had to deliver even more energy to the crowd and they responded with equal intensity, voices and screams. In all actuality, the venue’s little stunt back-fired. The audience actually enjoyed helping us finish the set. They became a direct part of the performance and the final drum solo was so dramatic that by the time it all ended you would’ve thought a volcano had exploded (go Leo!!). Heavy Metal indeed!!

Of course, the venue was not pleased. These jerks had the nerve to accept payment and then interject their own personal belief system into the equation without negotiating some type of refund for the disruption. And here’s our point: Why are people so scared of Heavy Metal?? And more importantly: What gives them the right to impose their opinions in an environment that was rented for the purpose of doing our own thing???

Directly after the power returned, the DJ began spinning some rap music; controversial and suggestive lyrics galore (no dis to rap, we’re big fans of it). But it’s interesting how that didn’t seem to offend the self-righteous. In fact, they were pleased that our portion of the show was now “over”. In their minds the little demons were done. They successfully stopped Satan and the children were safe again.

Being professional, we dismantled our equipment, packed up and returned to enjoy the rest of the party. And it was a GREAT party. Everyone, minus the fearful had a wonderful time.

Does any of this discourage us? Not at all. In fact it propels us. All opposition and challenge tends to fuel us. You see, once upon a time in this country people were scared of others because of the color of their skin. People feared each other because we spoke different languages. Way back, folks were persecuted and even killed for having different beliefs and opinions. Oh wait a minute… that shit still happens today.

Look - we’re just a band, doing what we love. Harming no one. Entertaining all that we can, as much as we can. We love what we do. And in everything we do, we thank GOD for the blessings that enable us. For anyone that doesn’t like or can’t understand us or our music, you are absolutely entitled to your own opinions. Just know that if you ever try to impose or intrude on our space we will respond every time. We will play. We will finish the show. We will keep rocking and we’ll enjoy every freaking second that it bothers you, that it upsets you and that it scares you. Nothing can stop the METAL and nothing will ever stop CTC. Believe in that, assholes.

South Gate, we love you. Thanks for rocking with us last night and ALWAYS Keep bangin’ - and HAPPY FREAKIN' BIRTHDAY JAZ!!!

-CTC

Control the Chaos' Press Room

CTC on FB (Control the Chaos on Facebook)

For those wanting to connect with us on Facebook, you can find Control the Chaos' band FB page here: http://on.fb.me/CTConFB

Grab our Music Widget - New songs coming SOON!!

Our new record is coming out for the 2010 Holiday Season.
One of the first ways to preview it will be on ReverbNation
Visit us at www.reverbnation.com/controlthechaos
Or grab this widget - when we update the tunes, the widget will also be updated

Enjoy! - CTC

Working with the Pros, "Control the Chaos" Records at The Village!

There are a few times in a band's history that stand out as those major experiences that change everything. Most bands would agree that one of those moments is when you finally get into the recording studio to commit your tracks to a final piece of work to be proud of.

Although 'Control the Chaos' has been recording and releasing their own music since initial formation, they've always imagined setting foot in a major recording studio with engineering staff and a production team to oversee the project. That's why the guys were totally psyched when veteran producer/engineer, Dave Hampton presented the opportunity to record and mix their latest project at the legendary "Village" studios in Los Angeles, CA.

"We've recorded in the past. Mostly out of our Vegas place, on our own. Then we got the opportunity to work in the studio with Pat Kearney (from Henry Hanks and Lords of the North) up in Seattle. That was our first time working in a more structured production environment under someone else's direction. It was really cool to have Pat's insight and guidance, which readied the band for this opportunity at the Village," states Hector Gomez, drummer.

"You look at who's been at the Village, the projects that have come out of that studio and you get a little overwhelmed at first," added bassist CJ Hulet. "Every generation of hits is represented on those walls. Every legend, every genre. Just being in the hallways is inspirational."

As it states on the studio website:
In every decade since its founding, The Village has produced the favorite songs of that era, and as the look and sound of music changes, so does The Village. These days, you will find a diverse roster, with names like Lady Gaga, The Raconteurs, Weezer, B. B. King, The Pussycat Dolls and The Foo Fighters.


In addition to creating chart topping albums, The Village is well known for its impressive list of movie soundtracks. From The Bodyguard and Shawshank Redemption, to Wall-E and Walk The Line, we are equipped to handle any and all situations while also solving each and every need of our clients. Music is everywhere, but it sounds better in The Village.

Recording in the big room, "Studio D" - CTC will finally get to unleash their "Molten-Metal" style into an environment that has produced hit after hit, with aspirations of doing the same.

"This came together sooner than expected, so everyone's understandably excited. We're especially grateful to Dave Hampton and the folks at the Village including Jeff Greenberg and Tina Morris for helping us coordinate the session," said Ed Fassio, band Manager.

"This is new material, so it's gonna be intense...and a lot of fun," added Zach Fassio and Cody Davis.

Since 2008, Control the Chaos has been developing their unique blend of Heavy Metal into their own creation dubbed "Vegas Molten Metal". Acknowledged by the People's Choice for Best Teen Metal band in 2009 and Best Teen Band, All genres in 2010 by Vegas Rocks! Magazine, CTC embarked on their first self-managed, multi-state tour in June 2010 with performances across the west coast including opening for national headliners: Devil Driver, Kittie and Kataklysm during the six month excursion. Securing endorsements and sponsorships along the way, the band's homecoming show features a Charity event at Las Vegas metal shop, the Cheyenne Saloon with Century Media recording artists Warbringer on November 20, 2010.

The session at the Village will be the band's fourth recording project.

For additional information on "Control the Chaos" - visit them at:
www.myspace.com/controlthechaos7744
www.reverbnation.com/controlthechaos

For more info on "The Village" recording studios, visit:
www.villagestudios.com
(Studio images from The Village Studios official website)

For information on Dave Hampton, visit:
www.davehampton.com

Back in the Studio...Back to LA...

Had the opportunity to record with Pat Kearney (Henry Hanks, Lords of the North) in their downtown Seattle studio this weekend. It was a GREAT experience. The vibe and tone in the studio were incredible and we decided to lay down a few new tracks that we've never done before. This will be the basis for another upcoming CTC release (date TBA) full of some new styles and a few surprises.

It was cool to get out of the cabin for a little bit. Since our last show, everyone caught a nasty bug and we decided to lay low for the week until everyone fully recuperated. As of now, looks like everyone's on the mend although we're about 24 hours behind our plans to head back to LA. We'll most likely leave tomorrow evening or early Tuesday in preparation for our next gig in Hollywood. Pretty excited about that one - it's with Devil Driver and Kittie at the Key Club and it's all ages - so we're pretty sure that the show is gonna be packed by default.

Tonight? A quiet evening absorbing the MTV VMAs, a good night's sleep and then back to the road. Everyone's in good spirits. Sounds like Vegas is excited to have us come back soon. We'll have a show there on November 20th, so stay tuned.

Have some AWESOME news coming up on October 1st and 2nd, but we'll leave that for another post...

"Control the Chaos" Takes the Prize @ 1st Annual VRMAs

Control The Chaos takes the award for "The Best Teen Band in Vegas" at the "2010 Vegas Rocks! Magazine Award Show" inside the Las Vegas Hilton. Surrounded by Legends of the industy and our fellow local bands, the night was an incredible whirlwind of excitement.

It's a great honor to be a part of Vegas Rocks! Magazine. When our Category was called, it was the most exciting, (but at the same time the most nerve-racking) feeling we've experienced. Hearing 1psychotic shout out our name for winning the award, there was a major feeling of accomplishment. As the famous Lemmy from Motorhead confirmed, "Just as long as I'm around, Metal is safe!!!"

Accepting the award on-stage, it was hard to see the crowd over the bright lights but we did notice that Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister) was clapping for us!

To hear the crowd cheer for us was also amazing. We always try to support everyone on the local scene in Vegas, but to hear them give us the cheers and applause was really overwhelming and humbling.

We were totally psyched to see other great bands from the scene and get pictures with them too. It was also pretty awesome to walk the red carpet along with the BIG names, like Lita Ford, Lemmy, Dee Snyder, Flavor Flav and Glenn Hughes. When we walked into the arena and saw thousands and thousands of people there... our jaws just dropped.

This night was incredible and winning the award made it one of the best memories of our lives!!! Horns WAAAAAAYYYY UP!!!! Sally Steele, congratulations on pulling off this amazing event - can't wait 'til next year!!

Adventures to Santa Monica

Driving through the misty coastline of Oregon on our way to the sunny state of California. Waking up to the fresh smell of Grandma's Pancakes and eggs as we start off our morning. As we are preparing for the show ahead in Santa Monica on 08/21/2010 at Club Trip, we are also going out and exploring the greater city of L.A. We are also celebrating the "BEAST" 19th birthday this Thursday August 19, 2010, so make sure to send a shout out to the "BEAST". Right after Club Trip in Santa Monica we are heading straight back to our home town of Las Vegas for the Vegas Rocks Magazine Award show on Sunday August 22nd, 2010, where we are nominated for Vegas Best Teen Band. Be sure to check back in to see what we are up too. And also vote for us for Vegas Best Teen Band. Email to: vote@vegasrocks.com and on the subject line put: Category #6 Control the Chaos.

- Thanks for all the support! CTC

Inked!

All bands know that the best time to get tattoos is when you're on tour! And even better if you can find a cool shop that is willing to sponsor the band's ink work. That's why we were so excited when our original designer, Don Melendez informed us that his close friends over at Triple Crown Tattoo (in Bremerton, WA) were excited to come to our show, work with us and agree to sponsor and endorse our tattoo work for the band.

Accomplished artist Gary Graves has been doing tattoo art for over 12 years. He joined Andrew Christian to help launch Triple Crown, an upscale boutique which caters to those who require prestige and professionalism when it comes to body art. Needless to say, the band was stoked.

With the exception of Bones, this was the band's first experience under the needle. Entertaining to say the least. The pain was a little expected but probably under anticipated, but Gary was incredible at his skill and speed. In one afternoon, he was able to get all the band members inked up with their initial outlines, including details.

CTC was absolutely delighted with the results. Future ideas included doing additional design collaboration and a grand opening event. Stay tuned!

A little R&R

So after a few thousand miles, a couple of shows and an adjustment from leaving Vegas it seemed like a perfect time for CTC to take a weekend off and enjoy the great outdoors. Since we were already in the Great Pacific Northwest, it only seemed suitable that we'd take our adventures to the Mt. Rainier National Forest - so we headed out to Bumping Lake to enjoy a little camping.

The drive up was beautiful as we took in all the incredible landscapes. Once up to the campground, we quickly set-up and acclimated ourselves to a world-without-toilets. That was an adventure in itself, but NOTHING compared to dealing with the man-eating insects. Though doused in bug-spray and non-stop burning of citronella candles, we learned quickly that in the thick of night the bed-bugs do indeed BITE! CJ probably got it the worst. The 1st day his forearm got attacked and swelled up like a golf ball had been implanted. The 2nd night he woke up looking like the pillow kicked his ass. His face was read and his eye was almost swollen shut. Must've been one hungry spider. 2nd was Zach. Event bathed in chemicals and 2 layers of clothing -he still managed to get about 17 bites on his back, shoulders and nether regions. The other guys escaped with minimal damage. Cody must not taste good because he was almost entirely unscathed. Evan and Sam seemed to luck out as well and Ed got the inconvenient delight of a bit on the pinky - the most treacherous injury of them all.

Late night coyotes kept us on alert. Saw a couple of interesting animal tracks about 100 feet from camp and a low supply of firewood made us appreciate the term "black as night".

By the end of the weekend, we had accomplished a great weekend of male-bonding, had a chance to appreciate the conveniences of modern plumbing and returned home: exhausted, stanky and itching. Showers here we come!!

Former Porn Theatre Makes for Cool Venue

Okay, so skin and rock have gone hand-in-hand forever. Porn and Metal music - nothing new there. That's why when we arrived in Bremerton, WA to play at our 2nd stop: a quaint, little ex-porn theatre turned music venue known locally as "The Charleston" aka "The Chuck", we weren't too surprised.

The place was Punk extreme. This place had character. Tons of culture and it was just as dark, gritty and sticky as one would assume. But absolutely friggin' cool! Everything was decorated in graffiti or band items. Freelance artwork, school-kid drawings. Vintage video games. The place was "ALIVE".

The sound guy was definitely on-point. He was pretty proud of his set-up too, walking us through all the components, how it was built and where the best acoustic advantage was in the venue.

Given it's history, it's ironic that The Charleston is an ALL-AGES venue. But for those thirsty transients in need of tunes and beverage, there is a fully stocked (and equally decorated) bar for the 21+ patrons.

We arrived to learn that the other 2 bands had to cancel for the night: We Watched Them Burn and Headless Charlie. The booking agent told us that one of the drummer's broke his fingers and that since the bands were traveling together, neither would be able to make it. No worries, we were there to play regardless and we had a few eager fans so we'd make the most of it.

Another rockin' set! The sound was awesome, the vibe was killer and the new fans were totally into it. Also present was our original designer Don Melendez aka Crimson Brand and he brought some new folks to the gig from Triple Crown Tattoo - a really slick and upscale, new ink-shop right in down-town B-town.

The owner of the shop (Andrew), his lead piercing artist (Alex) and lead tattoo artist (Gary) showed up to the gig and helped us rock out. Also talked a little collab business with the guys, so there's a story to be continued there.

Afterwards,headed to Grandma's (since she lives in B-town) and grabbed some awesome grub (again!). A light night run to the Bainbridge ferry got us home by 2am'ish.

All-in-all, fun night and good times.

Emerald City Rocks!

Getting to the venue last night was no easy task. Traffic, which is notoriously bad - was no exception for us. We hit it full-on at the peak of rush-hour on our way to the El Corazon and once we got there, the street traffic was just as intense. Didn't help that Zach had to piss like a racehorse.

As we pulled around the corner, TOTAL SCORE - parking RIGHT in front of the door. Just big enough for our van and trailer to fit outside of the tow-away zone. Coolness.

The venue was dark. Tucked away and peppered with banners, stickers and the dank smell of wet and rock-n-roll. Okay, in reality it was pretty clean except the bathrooms carried there own unique blend of funk. The joint was dope. Reminds you of a smaller Whisky-a-Go-Go and you can tell that some GREAT acts had ripped in this place. The bulletin board was covered with upcoming shows. Some known, others to be known. Dan the sound guy was amazingly good at his job. Take the awesome sound of Las Vegas' Cheyenne Saloon and turn it up about 10 notches. The place rumbled off the richter scale. it was insane and unbelievably awesome!! ALWAYS tip your sound guy people!

The other bands were in full focus too. Tygerr's Lair was first to greet us, then Pangea. Cool guys. Ravages of Time came to set-up last, all the way from Concrete, WA. dude, those guys freakin' rocked it.

Here's the deal: Seattle bands definitely play with massive HEART. U could feel how
much this venue and this stage/audience meant to them. They connected with everyone and REALLY brought a show. CTC was no exception! All in all, we're proud to say the largest crowd was for us and that made us feel very welcome back in our old city.

People definitely took advantage of the bar. Someone even had a massive puke attack right on our trailer hitch. Wow, thanks to whoever did that INTENTIONALLY. That was really the only uncool part of the night.

Later, our cousin Tony hosted an after-party in Bellevue to celebrate the show. A ton of old friends were there, including our old homies Edgar and Rodrigo from Everett and it was awesome to see everyone. Even some old friends from way back in Middle school came out (Julie, Mikey, Brenna and Amanda - it was totally awesome that u guys made it!)

Tonight - round 2. A little tired, but still stoked: we head to Bremerton, WA in 2 hours!! Keep bangin out there.. we definitely WILL!!

Before the Show

Just a few hours before check-in time at the El Corazon (Seattle). Kinda muggy today with some high clouds. Luckily no rain! Everyone's fired up. This show is gonna kick ass.

Before heading out, did some last minute prep, checked the vocals, loaded the equipment and made a quick round of calls to friends and fans.

Got a call from our original designer, Don Melendez to wish us support and to let us know he'll be at our show in Bremerton tomorrow. It'll be cool to sync back up with him - the originator of the CTC logo! Haha!

Gas - check, directions - check, ready to ROCK - CHECK!!

Control the Chaos - Tour Update (Seattle)

After last night's s'mores bonfire and a little relaxation, we called it a night to get ready for a big working weekend.

Today is our manager's (Ed) birthday. Another beautiful sunny day in the Pacific NW and even though there is a relaxed setting and the aroma of home-made spaghetti sauce in the air (thanks Ed!) there is always work to do.

Checked the routine MySpace, Facebook and Reverbnation sites. Tons of well-wishers and supporters for the band - which is always very cool. Enjoyed hearing from everyone. A blast of text messages came in this week too, with folks all over the country checking in and providing words of encouragement.

Took our Aunt Heather (also our awesome band photographer) to the airport early this morning because she had to return to Paris. Sad to see her go, but she has her own exciting adventures to address... LOVE YOU Heather! See you again soon and thanks so much for the awesome photoshoot.

This afternoon, the band continued to rehearse for the upcoming shows, write more songs and refine lyrics. A little free-jam and a bit of fun expected tonight to celebrate. Pretty psyched about being here in Seattle and even more excited about the upcoming shows this week. The local bands supporting the show have been extremely cool (thanks Pangea and Tygerr's Lair) and the promoters have been awesome so far (thanks Dana, Adam, Andy!)

Anything weird about Seattle so far? Yeah... where did ALL the people go?? The traffic on the highways and on the ferry were unusually light!! Either everyone's on vacation or everyone's unemployed!! Weird.

More later...