Do it yourself! Records, an independent record label created by Jean-Pierre Giagnoli describes this entertainer in a nut shell.
Taking the do it yourself approach, Giagnoli has instilled this idea in every facet of his life.
This Cerritos College student seems to be the whole package. His talents include producing music, acting, comedy, poetry and rapping. He has even served as the Art Editor for Talon Marks for a semester here at Cerritos.
“I remember one day when my Uncle Ray brought home the Michael Jackson album Bad and I fell in love with it. I realized how much an entertainer could affect people,” Giagnoli said.
From then on Giagnoli knew what he wanted to do, and that was to Be an entertainer
Originally finding a knack for writing poetry for his high school English class, Giagnoli’s teacher found that his he had a natural talent.
Giagnoli said, “My teacher and I realized that I had a great ability for rhyming words. The transition into hip hop just felt natural.”
While Giagnoli says that he was raised around gangster rap, he feels that it didn’t reflect his life so he began writing about his own life experiences, his struggles and issues going on in the world today. While attending Cerritos Giagnoli made friends with a fellow rapper who introduced him to a new style of rap.
“ A friend of mine introduced me to music like rapper Immortal Technique. I instantly gravitated to it,” Giagnoli said, “it was hip hop with a message, it had meaning, not like the rap glamorized on TV. where it’s all about cars, money and sex.”
Not just focusing on music Giagnoli dove into classes at Cerritos continuing to further his other talents.
“I attended Cerritos College because they offered a stand-up class and other classes in music recording, radio, TV., film, improve and acting. I want to master it all.”
Since then Giagnoli as continued to push the envelope, battling other MC’s to gain respect among his peers in music, getting an agent to help further his acting career, and even producing his own album on Do it yourself! Records.
With the determination and overwhelming talent that this young rising star has, be sure to look for his name on a marquee near you.
-Scott Garite-
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Record Report Card
Record Report Card
By Christopher Diers & Scott Garite
Animal Collective:
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective manage to channel the warmth and melody of bands like The Shins and The Beach Boys as well as the freaky electronic psych sounds of groups like The Flaming Lips and MGMT on their newest (and greatest) release. Merriweather Post Pavilion effectively encompasses the bands earlier material while remaining delightfully accessible. Expect to see this record sitting comfortably on top of several year-end lists.
Grade: A+
B-Real
Smoke N Mirrors
Cypress Hill frontman B-Real makes a move that may be too late in his career. His solo debut, Smoke N Mirrors comes fully loaded with talented artists such as Alchemist, Snoop Dogg, Buckshot, Kurupt, Too $hort, and Sick Jacken (from Psycho Realm) in hopes that his first solo album won’t be his last. With divergent vocals and 17 years to develop his skills he managed to piece together appealing tracks. Smoke N Mirrors starts strong with a Scoop Deville-produced track, “Children of the Night” and even after exchanging forceful wordplay with Damian Marley on “Fire”, the album seems to stall out leaving you stranded.
Grade: C-
LeEATHERMOUTH
XO
LeATHERMOUTH is a force to be reckoned with. A side project for guitarist Frank Lero, of My Chemical Romance, recently released “XO” on Epitaph Records. First off LeATHERMOUTH is not My Chemical Romance nor do they even resemble a hint of influence. This hate infested sound claws at the very core of your being. And that is what I love most about this. Pouring out his disgust for the world over the microphone, tracks such as “Body Snatchers Forever” and “Sunsets are for Muggers”, Lero is given the opportunity dispose of all the hatred he has bottled up inside himself for years. Take the disgruntled views of Bad Religion and throw in the energy of such bands as Every Time I Die and Maylene and the Son’s of Disaster, you will start to comprehend the sound that is LeATHERMOUTH.
Grade: A
Madlib
Beat Konducta, Vol. 5-6: A Tribute to…
Those of you already familiar with Madlib already know what to expect; the perfectionist, the workaholic, the beat-obsessed audiophile who just can’t seem to slow down. Those of you who are new to Madlib’s world, get ready to have your soul shaken. His latest release serves as an instrumental tribute of sorts to the late J Dilla, and though he isn’t actually on the record, his presence can be felt throughout. Madlib has raised the bar once again; he shifts seamlessly through this massive 42-track collection of house, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and funk with precision and swagger like only he can.
Grade: B+
William Elliot Whitmore
Animals in the Dark
It would be a forgivable mistake to think that William Elliot Whitmore recorded his latest record, the spectacular Animals in the Dark, a century ago. Whitmore’s voice isn’t just soulful and weathered; it’s a blunt object that he uses to rage against greedy politicians, crooked cops, cheatin’ lovers, and others of a less than savory nature. Whitmore also shines on a wide variety of instruments including banjo, acoustic guitar, and pedal steel. The end result is a real slice of Americana, fans of Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, and Hank Williams will surely find Whitmore to be a kindred spirit.
Grade: B+
By Christopher Diers & Scott Garite
Animal Collective:
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective manage to channel the warmth and melody of bands like The Shins and The Beach Boys as well as the freaky electronic psych sounds of groups like The Flaming Lips and MGMT on their newest (and greatest) release. Merriweather Post Pavilion effectively encompasses the bands earlier material while remaining delightfully accessible. Expect to see this record sitting comfortably on top of several year-end lists.
Grade: A+
B-Real
Smoke N Mirrors
Cypress Hill frontman B-Real makes a move that may be too late in his career. His solo debut, Smoke N Mirrors comes fully loaded with talented artists such as Alchemist, Snoop Dogg, Buckshot, Kurupt, Too $hort, and Sick Jacken (from Psycho Realm) in hopes that his first solo album won’t be his last. With divergent vocals and 17 years to develop his skills he managed to piece together appealing tracks. Smoke N Mirrors starts strong with a Scoop Deville-produced track, “Children of the Night” and even after exchanging forceful wordplay with Damian Marley on “Fire”, the album seems to stall out leaving you stranded.
Grade: C-
LeEATHERMOUTH
XO
LeATHERMOUTH is a force to be reckoned with. A side project for guitarist Frank Lero, of My Chemical Romance, recently released “XO” on Epitaph Records. First off LeATHERMOUTH is not My Chemical Romance nor do they even resemble a hint of influence. This hate infested sound claws at the very core of your being. And that is what I love most about this. Pouring out his disgust for the world over the microphone, tracks such as “Body Snatchers Forever” and “Sunsets are for Muggers”, Lero is given the opportunity dispose of all the hatred he has bottled up inside himself for years. Take the disgruntled views of Bad Religion and throw in the energy of such bands as Every Time I Die and Maylene and the Son’s of Disaster, you will start to comprehend the sound that is LeATHERMOUTH.
Grade: A
Madlib
Beat Konducta, Vol. 5-6: A Tribute to…
Those of you already familiar with Madlib already know what to expect; the perfectionist, the workaholic, the beat-obsessed audiophile who just can’t seem to slow down. Those of you who are new to Madlib’s world, get ready to have your soul shaken. His latest release serves as an instrumental tribute of sorts to the late J Dilla, and though he isn’t actually on the record, his presence can be felt throughout. Madlib has raised the bar once again; he shifts seamlessly through this massive 42-track collection of house, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and funk with precision and swagger like only he can.
Grade: B+
William Elliot Whitmore
Animals in the Dark
It would be a forgivable mistake to think that William Elliot Whitmore recorded his latest record, the spectacular Animals in the Dark, a century ago. Whitmore’s voice isn’t just soulful and weathered; it’s a blunt object that he uses to rage against greedy politicians, crooked cops, cheatin’ lovers, and others of a less than savory nature. Whitmore also shines on a wide variety of instruments including banjo, acoustic guitar, and pedal steel. The end result is a real slice of Americana, fans of Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, and Hank Williams will surely find Whitmore to be a kindred spirit.
Grade: B+
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Rogue Stallion Gallop Torward Rock Stardom
Robert John Acuna is living a double life. You may have seen him attending night classes around campus and been completely unaware that he is also the lead guitar player in the ambitious local rock group Rogue Stallion. Anytime spent between classes and working full time is spent in his practice space in Rosemead alongside his fellow band mates John Gillete (vocals), Joey Mercado (bass), Mike Holland (drums), and Manual Robles (guitar).
Rogue Stallion began to take shape in early 2007 during recreational jam sessions with friends and family. Since that time Robert and his band mates have weatherd line-up changes and the demand of day jobs and college courses in order to pursue their shared love of playing music together. It’s this working class spirit that has driven Rouge Stallion from their humble beginnings to pursue their dream of playing on as many different stages in as many different places as possible. “20 years from now I want to say that I played in Russia, I played in Europe.” Robert says. “We have an inside joke; someday we’re going to take this band all the way to the moon!”
Robert and his fellow band members draw their influences from a variety of different artists and bands. “Overall, we’re pretty influenced by Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, a lot of guitar solo-oriented classic groups. We don’t limit ourselves to that though, we also listen to a variety of different genres including classical music and the blues. Overall, anything classic from the 70’s, almost anything on 95.5 KLOS.” Though many of the bands inspiration is drawn from classic hard rock groups Robert was also quick to point out that there are a few contemporary bands out there that have caught their attention as of late. “I’ve even been listening to a little Avenged Sevenfold here and there. We keep our minds open”
Since coming together they have worked tirelessly to promote their music using myspace and passing out cds, stickers, and flyers all while gigging relentlessly. “Our first show was probably the most exciting, it was in Hollywood and it was also our first time in front of a big audience.” Since then they have seen their efforts pay off, landing opening slots for heavy metal veterans Otep at the world famous Whiskey A-Go-Go and Chris Holmes from W.A.S.P.’s all-star group on the main stage of The Knitting Factory. Not content to rest on their laurels, the band regularly books shows often playing four or five times a month at a variety of different events and are currently entertaining the idea of touring in Germany.
“We all work our day jobs, the main purpose of the band is to have fun and get out to as many people as possible.” Robert explained. “With all our members working together anything we want to do is possible, nothing will be able to hold us back.”
Check out their myspace page for songs and live dates!
-Christopher Diers
Rogue Stallion began to take shape in early 2007 during recreational jam sessions with friends and family. Since that time Robert and his band mates have weatherd line-up changes and the demand of day jobs and college courses in order to pursue their shared love of playing music together. It’s this working class spirit that has driven Rouge Stallion from their humble beginnings to pursue their dream of playing on as many different stages in as many different places as possible. “20 years from now I want to say that I played in Russia, I played in Europe.” Robert says. “We have an inside joke; someday we’re going to take this band all the way to the moon!”
Robert and his fellow band members draw their influences from a variety of different artists and bands. “Overall, we’re pretty influenced by Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, a lot of guitar solo-oriented classic groups. We don’t limit ourselves to that though, we also listen to a variety of different genres including classical music and the blues. Overall, anything classic from the 70’s, almost anything on 95.5 KLOS.” Though many of the bands inspiration is drawn from classic hard rock groups Robert was also quick to point out that there are a few contemporary bands out there that have caught their attention as of late. “I’ve even been listening to a little Avenged Sevenfold here and there. We keep our minds open”
Since coming together they have worked tirelessly to promote their music using myspace and passing out cds, stickers, and flyers all while gigging relentlessly. “Our first show was probably the most exciting, it was in Hollywood and it was also our first time in front of a big audience.” Since then they have seen their efforts pay off, landing opening slots for heavy metal veterans Otep at the world famous Whiskey A-Go-Go and Chris Holmes from W.A.S.P.’s all-star group on the main stage of The Knitting Factory. Not content to rest on their laurels, the band regularly books shows often playing four or five times a month at a variety of different events and are currently entertaining the idea of touring in Germany.
“We all work our day jobs, the main purpose of the band is to have fun and get out to as many people as possible.” Robert explained. “With all our members working together anything we want to do is possible, nothing will be able to hold us back.”
Check out their myspace page for songs and live dates!
-Christopher Diers
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Free Music: Alkaline Trio
What college student couldn't use a little free music now and again? Last week we linked you up to that fantastic free covers e.p. by Tera Melos, Idioms (Volume 1) and this week we're excited to tell you that Alkaline Trio has released a free acoustic e.p. The performance was recorded live for Myspace Transmissions and can be downloaded for a limited time. The band runs through two cuts off of their latest album Agony & Irony, one song from their classic album Good Mourning, and throw in a cover of The Cure's "Cut Here" for good measure.
Download it here.
Track listing:
1. Over and Out
2. Love Love, Kiss Kiss
3. Emma
4. Cut Here (The Cure)
-Christopher Diers
Monday, February 9, 2009
Blink-182 announces reunion at 51st Grammy Awards
All three members of Blink-182 appeared on stage together for the first time since 2004 to present the award for Rock Album of the Year before announcing that they have reformed and are currently working on a new record together. The band, perhaps best known for their melodic take on punk rock and toilet humor, had a bitter falling out in early 2005. Guitarist Tom DeLonge soon formed his own group called Angels and Airwaves while drummer Travis Barker and bassist Mark Hoppus quickly started a new band called +44. Neither band was able to achieve similar commercial success or mass appeal.
-Christopher Diers
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
R.I.P. Lux Interior
Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, passed away this morning due to an existing heart condition at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California at 4:30 AM PST today. Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife Poison Ivy’s contributions with The Cramps have had an immeasurable impact on modern music.
The Cramps emerged from the original New York punk scene of CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, with a singular sound and iconography. Their distinct take on rockabilly and surf along with their midnight movie imagery reminded us all just how exciting, dangerous, vital and sexy rock and roll should be and has spawned entire subcultures. Lux was a fearless frontman who transformed every stage he stepped on into a place of passion, abandon, and true freedom. He is a rare icon who will be missed dearly. Interior's death marks the end of the band's 33 year career.
-Christopher Diers
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Album Review: Bruce Springsteen - Working on a Dream
Springsteen’s latest recreates the magic - 8.4/10.0
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band have enjoyed a renewed relevance during the past eight years beginning with 2002’s excellent post-9/11 offering The Rising and continuing with 2007’s high energy, politically charged rock opus Magic. With an appearance at this year’s Super Bowl, the announcement of a four month stadium tour commencing in April, and 1978’s excellent Darkness on the Edge of Town being re-issued as a re-mastered set with tons of extra goodies later this year it looks like we’re all going to be seeing our fair share of The Boss in 2009. As a long-time fan myself (go on, try to embarrass me) I was thrilled to hear that we also had a brand-new album, Working on a Dream, to dig into.
The album begins with the eight minute cowboy anthem “Outlaw Pete”; a string section builds the tension with Springsteen’s familiar gravelly croon narrating the story of the titular outlaw while the E Street band sweep in behind him, rising up like a river about to flood. The track ends with a solemn harmonica echoing in the distance before the band kicks into “My Lucky Day”, revisiting the classic hard-driving E Street sound. For the most part, the rest of the album keeps the ball rolling, delivering heavy doses of Springsteen’s familiar traits, and enough new surprises to justify throwing down a couple of bucks for a new album from an artist with an already impeccable discography.
There are a couple of blunders, though they are few and far between. “Queen of the Supermarket” is trivial at best and outright corny at worst and the lyrics to “Surprise Surprise” seem like they were written at the 11th hour in an effort to complete the record. Overall, Working on a Dream is quite an accomplishment, in some instances finding the band conjuring an impressive wall of sound, others evoking the quieter elements of folk, country, and blues.
The album can be streamed in it's entirety on Bruce Springsteen's myspace page.
- Christopher Diers
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band have enjoyed a renewed relevance during the past eight years beginning with 2002’s excellent post-9/11 offering The Rising and continuing with 2007’s high energy, politically charged rock opus Magic. With an appearance at this year’s Super Bowl, the announcement of a four month stadium tour commencing in April, and 1978’s excellent Darkness on the Edge of Town being re-issued as a re-mastered set with tons of extra goodies later this year it looks like we’re all going to be seeing our fair share of The Boss in 2009. As a long-time fan myself (go on, try to embarrass me) I was thrilled to hear that we also had a brand-new album, Working on a Dream, to dig into.
The album begins with the eight minute cowboy anthem “Outlaw Pete”; a string section builds the tension with Springsteen’s familiar gravelly croon narrating the story of the titular outlaw while the E Street band sweep in behind him, rising up like a river about to flood. The track ends with a solemn harmonica echoing in the distance before the band kicks into “My Lucky Day”, revisiting the classic hard-driving E Street sound. For the most part, the rest of the album keeps the ball rolling, delivering heavy doses of Springsteen’s familiar traits, and enough new surprises to justify throwing down a couple of bucks for a new album from an artist with an already impeccable discography.
There are a couple of blunders, though they are few and far between. “Queen of the Supermarket” is trivial at best and outright corny at worst and the lyrics to “Surprise Surprise” seem like they were written at the 11th hour in an effort to complete the record. Overall, Working on a Dream is quite an accomplishment, in some instances finding the band conjuring an impressive wall of sound, others evoking the quieter elements of folk, country, and blues.
The album can be streamed in it's entirety on Bruce Springsteen's myspace page.
- Christopher Diers
Monday, February 2, 2009
Cerritos College Students
Are you a cerritos college student?
Are you a musician, or in a band?
Want to get your music out there?
....then email us at bands@talonmarks.com
We are looking to get your music out there to the masses.
Check back for updates!!!!
-Scott Garite
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Free Music: Tera Melos
If you're into free stuff (who isn't?) check out this e.p. by Tera Melos. Not only are these guys super-nice (frighteningly so) they're also really really good at their instruments. If I'm not mistaken this is the first thing that they've put out in a while. I was surprised because most of their music is, well how do I say this? It's really amazing and technical, but if I'm not in the right mood it can also be a bit of a chore to listen to. This is basically a medley of faithfully re-created cover songs that are from all over the place separated by tracks and the whole thing flows.
1. Meant for You (The Beach Boys)
2. Koka Kola (The Clash)
3. Tame (The Pixies)
4. Blast Off! (Rivers Cuomo)
5. Hey Sandy (Polaris [Magnetic Fields guy])
Download it here.
-Christopher Diers
1. Meant for You (The Beach Boys)
2. Koka Kola (The Clash)
3. Tame (The Pixies)
4. Blast Off! (Rivers Cuomo)
5. Hey Sandy (Polaris [Magnetic Fields guy])
Download it here.
-Christopher Diers
Chiripitis!
Cerritos College student Adan Lopez and the ska-punk outfit that he plays bass for, Chiripitis, are set to play Boogey Down LA Style (1132 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, California 90044) on February 13th. Admission is only $3 and they will be playing alongside The Raids, Red Rum Murder, Contraband, Liberate Ares, Vampiros Malignos, The Runts, Los Muertos Callejeros, High Jinx, and The F 16’s making this one heck of a bargain.
Check out Chiripitis' myspace page to listen to a few of their songs and view their upcoming shows.
-Christopher Diers
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