A review on Todd Stashwick’s “Devil Inside” indie comic

When I met Todd Stashwick at the free comic day at Blastoff Comicfest in North Hollywood, California last month to be honest I saw Actor. Being from Laredo, Texas that does not happen often, I think I played off okay “I think”. Last night I was going through my camera and iPod and what do I find My video of me interviewing Todd Stashwick. I had to finish what I began that day I had to read Devil Inside and give it my thoughts. To begin this review I had to ask myself. What would I say if the Devil was tiring to turn a leaf and be a good guy, what do I think? I do not know about you but it is hard for me to believe the Prince of Lie that he no longer lies. With this said, to explain the read of Devil Inside we must first look at Todd Stashwick. Mostly known for his work with FX series like Justified, Supernatural, The Riches, Heroes, and the Originals and currently on Syfy Channel’s 12 Monkeys. Todd seems to be able to bring many different characters to today’s TV. What many do not know of him is that he is also a writer and co-writing of a new Star Wars video game for Electronic Arts and of course the Comic which may be purchased directly from Todd’s website on paperback or for free view of his website. http://www.toddstashwick.com/default.asp

“Pain or Love or Danger makes you real Again…-Devil Inside: Chapter @: Episode 2.31”

The story of Devil Inside is based on the Devil imaged to look like Todd who escaping hell to the earth town of Paradise to search for stones. To do so he meets a handful of characters from Gaya to other lower religion entities which base of an Indian Witch Doctor who show him how to balance his good and his bad. After all Satan was once Lucifer “the gentle light” God’s right hand angle before his fall. He teams up with Goliath, a pink striped blonde haired heroin junkie punk girl, and professor from Arizona State. Together they take against the new ruler of hell, Delilah and her minions of hell Serpent-Head Man and Bird-Head Man.

This read is so great from the pop up messages to the fun facts and lyrics content I just want to keep clicking to see what is on my screen. I did have a small issue, I wanted to leave a comment and could not leave one because I could not see the caption code numbers. Now I do not know if this is because I use an Mac Book Pro or if it has to do with me not being computer shabby.

Beyond technical issues everything is so captivating about how this story line combines all religions, sciences and myths into a iron kettle and dumps the mixture of what if made into an Arizona city and Indian reservation. What mind blows this story the most is that Todd Stashwick and Dennis Calero have combined crime, horror, thriller, supper villains, serial killers, Unlikely hero characters with a hint of comedy with this comic. Raps it in with a creative sly ways of thinking that the devil has to come up with to work with what he has without regressing to instant gratification of being the bad him. Or the he who we all have gone to know he to be. A great read I cannot wait to see what more this story brings and one last question to Todd. “How long until the film version or better yet take it to SyFy or FX make it a series, or Nah?” This is a truly a must read for any indie and mainstream comic and non-comic reader a like. What more check it out at: http://www.toddstashwick.com/default.asp

“Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal…drugs, alcohol or lies…- Devil Inside: Chapter 3: Episode 3.14”

 

June 22, 2015June 22, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Comics, Events, Photos, ReviewsTags: article, Authors, book, Book Review, Books, California, Comic, Comic book, ComicCon, event, LA, review Leave a comment

The House Party Ska Show you wished you where at!!!

From the moment I moved to Los Angeles in February one of the things that has captured my heart about the area I live in is that there is a SKA show here every freaking weekend. One only needs to hit up Facebook look for LA SKA shows and “POW” good music, great people and a memorable night. Last night June 6^th 2015 was exactly what I did and I found my self with SXC SKA Reggae Swing house party with acts like Ekolekua, Irie Bombs, 23 Skunks, The Stea Dians, Revancha Ska and Mordida Amarga.

 

As I arrived I met the people behind the nights fandango one being Marlon Decontrol he and the rest of Decorrupt Entertainment have been running show around the LA area for 5-6 years. When I asked from the same home? He stated, “Nah man, we need to allow to areas to cool off with the cops. Each show is a new place.” I asked if it was only Ska he worked with? He replied, “In truth, we do everything, Metal, Punk, SKA, Reggae, Rap. It all depends on what comes up.”

Want to know where the next show? Then hit up Marlon and the rest of Decorrupt Entertainment on facebook.com @: https://www.facebook.com/cek.ska.

“We have to keep it going nothing will stop the music”- Marlon- Decorrupt Entertainment

As I the bands and people began to arrive I met Shawn from the band Revancha SKA. A band made through crags’ list 4+ years ago is a SKA band. The members consist of Vocals by Martin, Guitar by Adrian, Guitar and Vocals by Armando, Bass and Vocals by Luis, Vocals/ washboard and percussion by Shawn, Alto Sax and Vocals by Patrick and Kim on Keyboards. The sound ranges from tradition ska mixed in with English and Spanish vocals, Rap and a twist of rock and metal, with strong saxophone sounds and washboard blast rhythm that keep you guessing for what they are going to do next. A great bunch of artists that some how have managed to combine a dark morbid sound to the saxophone with the up beats of SKA music that only Revancha SKA has been able to adapt, control and delver to our listening pleasure. Want to hear more? Check them out @: https://www.facebook.com/revancha.ska.1?fref=ts, https://soundcloud.com/#revancha-ska, http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtUwB8UhC70N0sOGrklPAKw, and on https://www.facebook.com/revanchaska/info?tab=page_info, you will not be disappointed.

“Crag’s list brought us together but the music is what keeps us coming back for more”- Shawn Revancha-SKA

Mordida Amarga is a 3 piece from Pacoima, CA their sound is made by Edgar Nastlame, Adrian Motiel and Christian Rayes and the sound it self. Brings to the table a mix of Cumbia/trash/reggae ska/punk and third wave. This band had me skanking until I felt my feet no more. The only thing I wish this band had was an album or an EP their Facebook has a few practice videos. But guys you all got it just a great sound I would love to hear more. You all want to know more? Check them out on Facebook @: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mordida-Amarga-ska-MAS/606259862780754?sk=videos, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mordida-Amarga-ska-MAS/606259862780754?sk=info

“We make it Bounce”- Mordida Amarga Ska MAS

What can be said about TheStea Dians music? Lets see I believe if Selector, Sublime and clobbered Inspector on the head and gave birth to TheStea Dians. They had one great song after another. I cannot wait to hear the new album when it comes out 2 weeks from now. What to learn more check them out on Facebook @: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009096080195

The final band I was able to talk to a give them my full attention was the band named 23 Skunks. Members of this ensemble consists of Vocals- Robert Ramiez, Guitar and Vocals- Cisco Trigueros, Drums- Art Lopez and on Bass and Vocals- Peter Zavala from El Monte, CA. They began 3-4 years ago and have had minor change to the line up. In which to my opinion has welded a sound to the band that consists of Melodic Ska beats, Metal blasts a once of hip-hop and a shit load of raw power and energy. This band made music was like combining best of Metal and Stumped into it the Rude boy sound of SKA Packed it to an air gauge filled with Crack Rock Steady Beats and served to us for our listening pleasure. I swear you this if you all do not catch this band soon in a house party you might have to wait to see if their venues show will not be sold out when the new album hits distribution in 2016. Want some of the free songs? Want to learn more? Check them out @https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009096080195,

https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/downloads/3641974, and on Instagram search for 23 skunks for more on their up coming shows.

I would like to thank everyone there last night. If I did not write about your band it was not because of anything more then I ran out of time. But if you would like to me write about any of you up coming shows in the LA area. Email me at horodriguez@fullsail.edu or look for me on Facebook @: https://www.facebook.com/sInHor77, twitter @: https://twitter.com/HORodz, Instagram.com @: https://instagram.com/sinhor777/ or tumblr.com @: http://horodz.tumblr.com/ to let me know. I also plan to begin to do album and band review and Press Kits and EPK for those whom may want one. Until the next show. You will find me Skankin’ the week away and waiting for the next show.

H.O.Rodz

June 8, 2015June 21, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Bands, Events, ReviewsTags: California, Crack Rock Steady, House, House Party, LA, Punk, punk/ska, Reggea, Rude Boy, Ska, Skacore, Skapunk Leave a comment

LA SKA sound carries a Latin twist

You had a long week, Saturday rolls around you pulled out you checkered snickers your Chicano style hat and ready to paint LA red. When you realize you got $20 bucks and nowhere to go. Wrong! Thanks, to Concrete Jungle Entertainment and Azael who for the better part of 7+ years has been booking live shows in LA, Orange County, Long Beach and Inland Empire or IE as locals of SoCal (South California) call it. With 20 bucks you have enough for a night of slam dancing, cold beers and a whole lot of fun.

 

 

Last night for 5 bucks at the Black Castle, you had seven bands all armed with horns; passion, energy and a whole lot of rude boy go home love and warm for their fans. In return, the fans, and the crowd I included absorbed into our ears that distinctive sound of upbeat riffs, Fat bass lines, fast pass temple drum beats united by the harmonic sounds of brass and wood wind instruments. Ladies and Gentlemen this is SKA with a Latin twist.

“It’s something I didn’t see coming”- Azael

 

When asking Azael about any change to the well geared business that he has going? He stated that he plans to begin booking rock-a-belie and psych-o-belie with in the next few months. He stated that he was just trying to grow his market to a genre that is gaining momentum in LA.

 

 

What age groups follow your shows I asked him? It depends when I do local show I have a younger crowd. When I have older well-known bands of course the fans of the bands come. Still, the younger bands are the future I we work together. They know how I am. I’m not unreasonable just don’t be rock stars” answered Azael.

 

I asked him in addition to booking local bands what more does CJE work with? Azael mentioned that along to booking local show in four different large key markets cities for the genre SKA and punk music. Wither local or international music. He also manages bands like Café con Tequila, La Pobreska, River Rats and the international known band 8 Kalacas. Who has an up coming show here in Los Angeles, June 13^th at the “No valance in our scene” Music Festival with 19 other bands like Chencha Berrinches and local favorites like D-Skarados and Steady 45s.

 

 “Don’t be a rock star”- Azael

 

With a night like that one can wonder how can you live the life of fame in the underground scene in Los Angeles? Azael answered, “It’s something I didn’t see coming but I’m very grateful.” In my opinion seemed to be in it for the love of the music. He just was one of those people that lucked out and is able to do what he loves for a living. The man has a “Chilax ora” always happy to answer questions and show you some new tunes on his smart phone. What to learn more about Concrete Jungle Entertainment and the bands I mentioned above check out the links bellow. Until next time see you in the pit.

 

“I’m very grateful.”- Azael

 

 

Late

H.O.Rodz

 

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Chencha Berrinches) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/chenchaberrinchesband/app_261560383923827

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Concrete Jungle) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Concrete-Jungle-Entertainment/180347241981751?fref=ts

(n.d) May 9^th 2015 (Los Chilies Verdes) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/los.c.verdes

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Ekolekua) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ekolekua/205413139481106

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (D-Skarados) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-Skarados/276130422433062

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Lib) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/its.the.Lib

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Que Relajo) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Que-Relajo/153005918119872

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Rebelion 68) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/Rebelion68

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (Los Cadejos) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/LosCadejosSka

(n.d.) May 9^th 2015 (La Pobreska) retrieved by H.O.Rodz from:

https://www.facebook.com/LaPobreskaOfficial

May 11, 2015June 21, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Bands, Events, ReviewsTags: California, Crack Rock Steady, DIY, LA, Punk, punk/ska, Reggea, Rude Boy, Ska, Skacore, Skapunk Leave a comment

Randy Spellings book read totaled a humble success even after older sisters Tori Spelling’s popularity over shadowing career.

Randy Spelling and sister Tori Spelling at his book singing in West Hollywood, California

Saturday, April 26, 2015 Randy Spelling found him self in West Hollywood, California at Book Soup at his first book signing of his first book entitled, “Unlimiting You.” With at least 40+ people waiting for Randy to step on stage, he patiently awaited the arrival of his sister Tori Spelling. She was to present him and give her opinion of the book in front of gathering along with ask questions about his thoughts on the book. The book being a group of stories of what Randy has experienced in his younger years. In addition the life stories of some of the clients he has assisted as a life coach. The purpose of the book is for the reader to see them selves in a more purposeful and fulfilled life by learning that in many cases we as humans hold ourselves back through negative self beliefs of oneself.

At the time of her arrival they both headed to the small stage, in front of the small book aisles stopping for the occasional familiar face in a crowed of at least 60+ people now. Tori began by stating that she never would have believed that her little brother could write such a moving book. She stated how she tries so hard from asking him to be her life coach. “I love that you say it how it is.”  Tori Spelling went, as far to say to Randy as she closed out her introduction. She furthered her parses by mentioning how he seems to have found inner peace beyond the chaos of life growing up in a Hollywood in the film and television industry and now being a father of two girls and a business owner of his own life coach business. You can see in his gestures that he was surprised of the complements and questions that his sister had. He even said, “Oh! So you did read it?”  Still, as soon as he began to speak you can see what she spoke of. He has a sense of grace on how he expresses him self that many seem to lack. His desire to want you to help your self seems honest and true. He never said I have it together, rather than attempt to stop the unstoppable. We should embrace what happened, learn from it and grow.

“Hopefully I got that across in the book, a starting point on how to live your life differently.”- Randy Spelling

“Unlimit your beliefs”-Randy Spelling

 

 

 

Returning to subjects in his book Tori mentioned many of the changes that she has noticed in her brother. Her example was based on the observing him taking care of her children the day before from morning to night without going out of his mind. She followed by saying that she found it so surprising that he mentioned an incident when he blow his top because of his children actions. She continued by saying “most would shine from doing so because of fear of the back lash to them being stars.” He replied by again stating that he is not perfect. “We all have those moments. We just need to learn from those moments. If we didn’t have those moments then we would never learn.”

“I love that you say it how it is.”-Tori Spelling

“…We all have those moments. We just need to learn from those moments. If we didn’t have those moments then we would never learn.”– Randy Spelling

Following his answer Tori asked Randy “What do you believe in and do you believe that there is a ultimate limitation?” Fears are one that can cripple us, we must beside to live in fear or learn and grow to overcome it. He continued by saying, “growth parental lies in the growth of overcoming your fears.” She asked, “Can you change at any age?” He said, “ Yes, at any age. He gave an example of a 69-year-old client who asked him the same question. She did not think she could change he said that that was a good place to start. After two sessions life changes began to occur. He understood that it would take a little more work. Yet still, he believes that age is no excuse to change. She closed by asking him what he want people to take out of the book? He paused a moment before answering, “I hope people take from the book hopefully seeing them selves different. That everything that happened to them has happened to help them grow.” Once seen as such their life will change. Tori asked do you mean, “Live without regrets?” He answered, “We all have regrets just don’t keep flogging yourselves for your mistakes. Recognize and change the behavior.

“Everybody dies but not everybody lives”-Drake

 “We are all going to die; we must all choice how to live”– Randy Spelling

Randy ended his time on stage before beginning the singing of books with Q&A with readers of his book. Book Soup in my opinion is the type of bookstore where if you look hard enough you can find a nice little gem to purchase. Therefore, perfect place for someone who comes from such a lineage to sit with fans and readers without being disturbed by the chaos of their everyday lives. In fact, it was so calm and everyone was so nice. It was not the security knocking cameras out of hands or stars massing people to run to their cars. There was no you cannot speak to Randy or even Tori when she arrived. It was very pleasant very composed. To be honest my two boys and wife were standing next to Tori’s older boy throughout most of the time of the interview done by Tori of Randy and the a one-on-one Q&A that readers and clients of his had for him before the signing.

In case his name does not ring a bell to my readers. I will clear all unsure questions of who Randy Spelling is. Randy is the son of, Aaron Spelling a well-known Hollywood producer and the younger brother to Tori Spelling whose career has hosted film and television success. Randy as a young man followed his family footsteps into the entertainment business to which he later left to follow a career in the music industry and lead a record label called “Spellbound Records.”

After a struggle with addiction and many near fatal choices by Randy in 2006 a change with in him self that made him seek a sober more spiral way of life. In doing so he also studied to certify as a life coach. Today you can find Randy traveling from Portland, OR where he lives with his two daughters and his wife to see clients in his hometown of LA and other cities as a one-on-one life coach. In addition to running his own life coach business he does workshops, tele-seminars, group coaching sessions and public speaking engagements. All this on top of writing of writing his new book on principles of inner guidance.

Would you like to learn more about Randy Spelling his book and his family? Below are some links to his website and other info on him for you reading pleasure.

 

H.O.Rodz

 

 

Resources:

 

 

 

(N.P.) April 26, 2015 “Unlimiting you by Randy Spelling” retrieved by (H.O.Rodz) from: https://www.unlimitingyou.com/

(N.P.) April 26, 2015 “About Randy Spelling” retrieved by (H.O.Rodz) from:https://www.unlimitingyou.com/randy-spelling/

Photos by H.O.Rodz taken at Book Soup

April 28, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Events, Main Page, Photos Leave a comment

Who said girls don’t have balls for Punk and Ska music. LA shows show you a different story.

Flyer of the show

 

 The show was one that gave good feel from the start; one can see the unity in the bands and the local scene. The kind of show where everyone is up front and the pit comes in and out and dies off as quick as the music that fuels the flames ends. Not sure if your like me or if it’s because I am a lover of Punk and Ska music and coming from Texas I needed my fix. But all I wanted was to hit a good punk/ska show and more importantly network with people in the Downtown LA scene.

 The night began when I first walked into El Destino Del En Cabina a few blocks from where I just moved to here in LA. I met the man behind “Asko Gen Produktionz” Eric “Asko” Lara, who is friends; with bands I know or have played with and have done compilations with back when I had a band in Texas. So we said our hays and went our ways.

 I had got there with enough time to pay buy a beer now like days of pasted in Texas I found my self-surrounded by the nights vibe of young adults have an unwinding weekend with booze and tunes of the bands that fueled the night. I found my self-thinking, “Its like I had never left, no one wondering who is he?” After all this is LA and a Punk show. Instead I chilled with my beer and listen to the first band.

CxA a young group with Lly on Vocals, Virgil on Guitar, Kevin on bass and Spike on Drums, the band stood out for their catchy four chord progression, with song like “We’re CxA”. Want more? Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaXplainsItToYah/timeline.

By when I realized I had gone thru Banned Abbreviation a two-piece band Fido: Back-up Vocals/Drummer and Bender: Singer/Guitarist hard-core band from the local seen. With fast in your face singing that Bender bring to her riffs. Make you understand why a basses, only a hard grind your teeth musicians need apply. What you do not believe me check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BannedAbbreviation/timeline.

Continuing the vibe and the pit with, Rhythmic Asylum. Eloy Ruiz on guitar, Paulie Perez on Bass, Chris Coria on Drums and Gary Alvarez on vocals. One can obviously find Crust punk origin in this music. All members rooting from other bands, this is the brainchild of Chris and Gary. Want more? Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhythmicAsylumPunks/info?tab=page_info

Up until now, it has been nothing but strait aggressive female member Punk bands. However, the mode is about to change to a more get on your feet and skank’n in the pit with the sounds of Los 2×4’s. The first underground Skacore band I see since I moved here last month and I must say, “SKA is not Dead in LA.” The members are Julia on Vocals, Jonathan on Trombone, Foss on Tenor Sax, Josh on Guitar, Adam on Bass and Greg on Drums. The band had the whole place jumping through song after song. Wish you where their? Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Los2x4s/timeline

Following with only enough time to catch my breath and lower my heart rate Chanclaso 78 hit the stage and I must say they keyboard just made worries of the week peal off and brought me a good feeling all over. Members Patty Davino on vocals, Marcos Tapia on Drums, Camilo Tapia on Bass, Juan Covarrubias on Back Vocals/Guitar and Javi Nunez on Back Vocals/Keyboards. Want to here more check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chanclaso-78-OFFICIAL/1407000119515573?sk=timeline

By the end of this band, covered in sweat, some blood and loving the music, the people and the bands. I looked at my watch one last band? All these bands even the younger were good enough for headliners. What can close this great show? I was answered with Uzi Skam. Ash on Bass, Anthony on Drums, Javi on Guitar, Keys Ulisses and all vocals are done by all members. What is to say about Uzi Skam but it sounds like Butthole Surfers stepchild who was left a G.G. Allen’s house and raised by Hank Williams 3^rd. Want to here more? Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uziskam/timeline.

To end the night I must say you must really look in to this scene and these bands it was a great night and I wish to see you all in the pit next time.Wait, don’t know how, here have Facebook links that can help with that it helped me: https://www.facebook.com/search/str/asko%20gen%20produktionz/keywords_top

H.O.Rodz

April 20, 2015April 28, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Main Page, Music, Reviews Leave a comment

How to make DIY Infant Punk Rock Shirt

 

 

Infant Punk Shirt necessities.

Since the age of 14 I have loved Punk and Ska music as I have gotten older that Punk and Ska spirit remains in me and I want to pass it to my young boys of 5 and 2. With movies like “The other F word” and DIY links like “How to make a bum flap” on WikiHow.com I decided to make my own “How to” for punk and metal parents that love their kids and love their metal, punk and ska music but can not cough out 17 to 35 dollars for a Sex Pistols, Sublime, Carcass or even a local band shirt, if they even make kid or infant shirts for that matter.

Ingredient:

Being an ex-squatter kid myself in material I prefer to go as punk as I use to. With a needle and dental floss. However, my wife does not find it socially except able.Therefore, I would suggest:

1. needle
2. tread (of your choice in color)
3. patch  (of your choice in band)
4. Infant of young child size shirt
5. scissors
6. two safety pins

Step 1:

Make sure that the shirt has no designs on side which you plan to sow the patch on. In addition, wash both shirt and patch and run it on the drier. I prefer to starch both shirt and patch to make it easier to work with.

Step 2:

Prepare both materials in desired place and put safety pins in center of patch to hold in place. Make sure that it is far enough to sow comfortably. Personally, on the amount of tread I measure arms length and that covers the entire patch.

Step 3:

Begin to attach patch to shirt with needle and thread. Start off by making a basic knot on your first entree into the patch into the shirt and come out the area of plain shirt. Make second puncture into patch a quarter of an inch away of first whole continuing the process around the patch.

Step 4:

Once patch has been sowed onto the shirt you should be at the area where you began. *However, in case you have not and have made a different distance all you have to do is follow the same instruction. The only difference is that you will have to continue the process until you reach the point where you began as previously written. Repeat the process of making a knot with the tread.

Step 5:

Cut the remaining tread, Remove the safety pins from center of patch and shirt. Rewash shirt with patch if you do not want you child with a wall like onesie or shirt. Finally wear and tear.

I do hope this was simple enough to make if any questions are needed to be answered feel free to leave them on the comment list.  Look at it this way it would be a cool thing to sow your 5-14 year-old how to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 13, 2015April 28, 2015 by horodz Categories: Articles, Main Page, ReviewsTags: DIY, how to Leave a comment