THE WEST VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT MUSIC FESTIVAL

In doing this show, I have hit a few obstacles and have had to make some uncomfortable decisions, they all pale in comparison to having to turn bands away from playing this festival. I have always been a huge supporter of the WV Music scene and genuinely love so many bands from this state, past and present. So to have to tell my friends that I don’t have a spot for them, for lack of a better term, sucked. I even opted to not put my other band, Let The Guilty Hang, on the fest. I hope my brothers aren't too mad at me... we will prepare out triumphant return for later this year! I felt like it was the least I could do to make a post and publicly share my thoughts on this amazing scene and to give you guys the opportunity to visit some of these bands pages and give them a listen.

While not all of these bands listed asked to play this show, I just wanted to do a general page of WV band that deserve your attention. I wont even go into the bands that have came and gone that mean so much to me. (against, Malicious Intent, Down To None, Holden Caulfield, CHUM, etc…)

My love for WV Music runs deep and in a perfect world this show will go off without a hitch and open the doors for a 2 Day Fest next year and the possibility of 30 bands. That is ultimately my goal… that and booking Slayer…

Again, a genuine thank you to all of the bands in this state who bust ass in the clubs for no money and usually no crowd, it couldn’t be anymore apparent that we do this because we love it. I know this isn't everyone but for all of you about to rock, I salute you… -daniel. 

Bands to Acknowledge.

Close The Hatch

Crazy Jane

DeadFaceDown

Dinosaur Burps

Fall Before Your Creator

Foz

Hard Times

Harrah

Hyatari

Karma to Burn

Lexi Pierson

Linework

Meet Me In the Matinee

Nation

Qiet

Sly Roosevelt

Stacee Lawson

Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band

Sweatband

The Fox Hunt

The Heptanes

The Number Six

The Number Six

The Tom McGees

This City in Ashes

Tofujitsu

Throughout the past two decades, Huntington, WV musician John Lancaster put in a fair share of hours fronting and playing guitar in local bands such as Guru Lovechild, Earth to Eros, and Cincinnati's Semi-Automatic. But perhaps his most recognized project was with one time Century Media recording artists Chum, who successfully merged crushingly heavy riffs with hook laden yet soulful melodies cour

tesy of Lancaster's vocals. Chum had a well received yet relatively short run but still managed to capture the attention of a few name folks in the music industry as well as some of their respected musical peers. As time rolled on through the post-Chum era and projects came and went, all became gradually quiet on Lancaster's musical front as he devoted more time and energy towards his budding family. In July of 2010 after a couple year hiatus with music (and three kids later), John returned to the fold with his first solo album titled "Phantom Moon". Approximately 3 years in the making, "Phantom Moon" features guest appearances by Josh Adkins (Abdullah, Erase the Grey), Dave Angstrom (Asylum on the Hill, Hermano, Supafuzz), Jude Blevins (Satchell, Hyatari, Skinfork), Bud Carroll (Bud Carroll and the Southern Souls, American Minor), Elwood Francis (Prunella Scales, Abusement Park, Control Freak), Aaron Grubbs (Science for Children), Daniel Johnson (Let the Guilty Hang), Rusty Knight (In Stereo, Earth to Eros), dUg Pinnick (King's X), Barry Smith (Earth to Eros, Hybrid Zero), and Matt Wolfe (Scrap Iron Pickers, Byzantine). The heavy and melodic sound that Lancaster has been known for is still evident throughout the 14 tracks of "Phantom Moon", yet dynamically speaking he pushes the envelope a bit further and flirts with a more textured approach - an approach that was taken on out of necessity according to Lancaster. "In a band or collaborative environment, in order to be diplomatic and to have everyone somewhat on the same page, it is easy to eventually paint yourself into a corner with a specific sound, overall vibe, or songwriting formula," said Lancaster. "What was exciting about finally getting around to this solo project was that there were no boundaries or pre-conceived notions of how this thing should sound, which was a refreshing change of pace. It was a satisfying outlet for me and I look forward to doing this again in the near future."

With their latest record, Leave It Alone (Jan/2011), Sasha Colette and The Magnolias (Chris Justice/Electric Bass, Jeremy Short/Electric Guitar, Steve Barker/drums) have given themselves the perfect reason to get out and about for another year of shows, where ever they may be, and another reason to develop the next choice songs into yet another well pieced album unmasking the elements that make this band who they are. Their sound has the spirit of Folk rooted in the soulful blues they know so well and is crossed with their spin of Indie Americana that spices up the groove they have classified as unclassifiable.