Friday, February 25, 2022

15 Questions For The Band - Nomad Skyline

 


Interview with Nomad Skyline, a rock band based in Sacramento, California is releasing their first album “Open Road” on February 22. The four members include Linden Wood, a Corvallis local who moved to California to focus on his life long talents in music. Because of Linden’s local ties with the music scene in Lost Tortoise, Azrael, and 30 Pound Test, the anticipation to hear his latest work has grown.

1.) Members of the Band. Who is Nomad Skyline?

Linden Wood (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Chuck Carrasco (bass), Joe Whitworth (lead guitar), Jason Weisker (drums).


2.) Band history, how did you meet?


Jason and Chuck were in a band together that dissolved. Linden, who had auditioned for vocals with them had moved to Sacramento from Corvallis, was invited to join a new band with the addition of Joe on drums. Like in most music scenes, Sacramento’s is tight. Musicians share respect for talent and don't put up with arrogance. Nomad Skyline shows respect to each other's dedication to their music career. 


3.) Where did your appreciation of your music genre come from?


Though there is a difference in generations of the members in this group they all agreed two distinct eras of music influenced their lives, Punk and Grunge. Rock music has many branches, Punk touched into political anti-establishment lyrics in short, fast songs. Grunge is thought of as pondering bass solos with heavy distortion on guitars, bringing the slower tempos and intense dark lyrics. The evolution of rock can be defined in many ways but the journey for every artist is unique. Linden learned Hendrix by age 9 and chords from his big brother, Joe remembers AM radio in New Mexico and watching Van Halen in black and white tv.


4.) Tell me about your Album, when can we buy it and how?


"Open Road", will be available on February 22, (2/22/22) a date the band mates all find memorable. Digital release makes it widely available on Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more.


5.) How much have you invested in making this together, and in what?


Investments in studio time is well worth it to Nomad Skyline. The whole band considers it their “happy place”. Investment of the past makes this project happen, the members are all lifetime musicians who bring their knowledge and wisdom of Rock music. Jason said “We came into this band with all the right equipment” meaning they already invested in their instruments. “Time away from our families is the trade off”, said Joe. When writing music, recording songs, and meeting with the producer Brendan Duffey, it’s time that can’t be spent with friends and family but it’s worth creating this album, as the band agrees.


6.) What does marketing look like for you?


Marketing in this environment during the pandemic is less tours and live music and more social media and shares. The success of this album will be measured by “likes” and downloads. Marketing is spreading the word on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Nomad Skyline's producing team does a lot as far as content. Their animated music video is a tool they use to spread the song across a visual audience. 


7.) What are your thoughts on your PG13 music video?


“We will send you the director's cut,” said Jason. The band tells me the final version was too risque for them and had a few scenes cut. The animator team from Brazil clearly has a sexier vision when listening to “‘64 Fury” then the band wanted as the imagery.


8.) What are you most proud of and what is your next ambition? 


The guys are truly proud of Nomad Skyline and their EP (shorter album). They are looking forward to going on tour. Though they all have separate lives then simply “musician” so a documentary tour bus life isn’t in their deck of goals. Shorter two-week tours supplemented by the money made on the road is a realistic goal.


9.) What does the other half of your life look like?


Each member of Nomad Skyline has another life too. Joe is a history teacher for a local High School. Chuck claims to have a boring desk job that he now more comfortably works from home (thanks to the pandemic). And Joe is a man of all trades “I’m a modern renaissance man”. Linden had been working for a tile company but has saved some money and lined up gigs (paid shows) until next winter, so he will be quitting his “regular” job to be a full time musician. 


10.) What is your advice to other artists who want to be in your position?


“Speak softly and carry a big stick”, said Joe, they all laugh. “Kidding but I always wanted to say that, ‘stay humble’ and be genuine”. Jason’s advice is to find out why the fans are at the show and keep doing that. The bandmates listen to each other and nod in agreement. The mutual respect is obvious.






11.) Do you have a tour coming up? 


Nomad Skyline is setting up a spring and summer tour through the Willamette Valley and up to Seattle but dates are yet to be decided. 


12.) Solo career? 


Linden has an acoustic solo career that he continues. Having a variety of musical genres is helpful when booking venues folk, rock, alternative, and country. Linden Wood has his own songs as well as many covers by favorite artists through the decades.


13.) Will we hear you on the radio?


You will hear Nomad Skyline on the radio if you request them! IHeartRadio.com has their single tracks and can play when requested. So please request away!


14.) What is the biggest adjustment you as musicians have had during the worldwide pandemic?


Navigating their musical careers in this pandemic has been like “reinventing the wheel while the car is on fire” said Chuck. Because the music scene had to basically shut down for the first few months of the pandemic then soft open to bands who had the technological edge. Most bands and musicians had to wait for the ‘new normal’ to find acceptable ways to play they way they knew how. 2022 is providing the way to tour again and play live shows.


15.) What has been the hardest step in this Album creation?


The hardest thing has just been being away from family and quarantine. But the finished product has been well worth it. Playing live sets with our polished music is what the band has hoped for. They are all in their element when playing live, it's a feeling that can barely be described but rocking out with the crowd over your music is the reason worth the work.



At A Glance:
Nomad Skyline 
Rock Band located in Sacramento California
Members: Linden Wood (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Chuck Carrasco (bass), Joe Whitworth (lead guitar), Jason Weisker (drums).
Album: “Open Road” premiering 2/22/2022
Featuring: "'64 Fury"

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Event - March For Life


Oregon March for Life Rally - A Right to Life Organization

By Sabrina Dedek 



SALEM – A rally organized by Right to Life called “March for Life” was held Saturday, Jan. 29. The group of hundreds gathered in a courtyard just across the street from the Capitol Building. 


Oregon March for Life scheduled live music, group prayer, and speakers to host the crowd’s attention on a sunny day. Booths lined the far side of the area with various organizations' similar views on pregnancy termination, providing props of well-developed (silicone) fetuses wrapped in tiny blankets and large printed graphics to catch the attention of visitors and people walking by. Oregon March for Life 2022 was sponsored by Christian News Northwest, Mater Dei Radio, and Oregon Family Council.


While many comparable organizations attended, coming together as a group, not all views are that of Right to Life, as stated in an advisory email Monday, Jan. 30.

"Oregon Right to Life is committed to compassionate and empathetic advocacy," said Executive Director Lois Anderson. "We believe that every person is valuable and deserving of respect, including those with whom we disagree. That should inform how we engage in advocacy."

The approach of  a self-proclaimed “Abolitionist” can be considered aggressive. The group of men had signs that were purposefully disturbing. 

“Abolish Human Abortion appeared at the Oregon March for Life, an event organized by Oregon Right to Life. Abolish Human Abortion came with signs and pamphlets that used aggressive language and graphic imagery. Oregon Right to Life opposes Abolish Human Abortion and other similar extremist abortion groups and their use of tactics intended to intimidate others,” said Trevor Lane of Oregon Right to Life. 

Shawn Kellim of Roseburg approached. He asked “Do you know why we are here?” and quickly said his interpretation. 

Kellim is a member of Wellspring Bible Fellowship. Their pastor Bryan Carver, an Evangelical, encourages his followers to abolish human abortion. Kellim believes “women are sinners and liars who must repent and accept Jesus Christ,” saying this is the core of his evangelism. 

Women have only one choice in forced pregnancy; Kellim said “adoption is the only option in the eyes of god,” though Kellim does not have any adopted children of his own. 

Kellim also had some descriptive ideas against the legal power of the U.S. Supreme Court and democracy in the United States. 


Oregon March for Life Speakers at the event included: Archbishop Alexander Sample, Lucia Taylor of Students for Life America, and Tyler Hanke of Salem First Baptist Church.


Melody Durrett, Linn-Benton alumnus and President of Oregon Right to Life, said,

“I got involved with Oregon Right to Life and the pro-life movement when I first heard women who were post-abortive speak about their experiences. I realized that not only is science clear that abortion ends the life of a genetically distinct, whole human being, but abortion also negatively affects women psychologically and often reinforces and hides violence against women. 


“While empathetic listening to women speak about their experiences, I noticed nearly every story I heard included elements of stress and pressure the women faced. Some women were in abusive relationships, some had economic concerns, some were pressured by parents or a boyfriend, and some were told a false narrative that they had to choose between the life of their child and pursuing their hopes and dreams in life. A developed society should offer better than abortion to its citizens,” Durrett. 


Oregon does not have fetal homicide laws, such as Alabama. Currently Oregon law “prohibits abortion unless physician has first determined probable post-fertilization age of unborn child, except in case of medical emergency. Prohibits abortion of unborn child with probable post-fertilization age of 20 or more weeks, except in case of medical emergency. Requires physician who performs or induces, or attempts to perform or induce, abortion to file report, within 30 days, with Oregon Health Authority. Requires authority to publish annually statistics relating to abortion.” 














 

“The pro-life movement advocates for non-violent choices while also supporting, showing kindness and caring for abortion-minded women. Supporters gathered at the Oregon March for Life and stood up for equal rights for all human beings, including the unborn, while also proving that we are compassionate and supportive to those facing pressure to have an abortion,” said Durret.


At A Glance:
What: Oregon Right to Life hosts rally, called Oregon March for Life
When: January 29, 2022
Where: Across the street from Oregon Capital Building in Salem
Why: In protest of Oregon laws on reproductive rights. Protesters want strict laws on abortion to limit availability to none.
Website: www.ortl.org
For More Information: (503)463-8563 Diane Noble dnforjesus@gmail.com




 

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