Satan's Pilgrims: we are not Satanists at all

Satan's Pilgrims is a 5-piece band from Portland. Drummer Ted Pilgrim discusses the band's sound, misconceptions about the band's name, and what goes into every Satan's Pilgrims show.

What is the story behind the name Satan's Pilgrims?

We wanted to have a name that sounded like a biker gang from the old AIP biker movies, but also not have it be too serious, since we like to have a sense of humor about the band. When we came up with the name, we never thought that we would play beyond Portland and would be making records, much less 17 years later. It's always funny to us when people are turned off by the name or refuse to put it on a marquee or ad, but we learned that things can be a lot different outside the bubble of Portland. We are not satanists at all, and find it equally funny when people assume that about us.

Complete the sentence. Satan's Pilgrims is...

5 old friends that love recording and playing surf and 60's style instrumentals together whenever they can.

Why should I have Psychsploitation in my collection?

Because it is a really unique album that features different sounds and great production value as you go from song to song. Eric Hedford, who recorded us, really did a fantastic job working on each song with us to give it that quality.

If you could write and perform a song with any artist, who would it be? Why?

Brian Wilson. I think he is the one artist that we all have the same love and respect for and it would be really quirky but hopefully inspired at the same time. Plus, we'd love to hear what it sounded like when it was completed.

What makes a Satan's Pilgrims show?

Usually lots of sweat, both onstage and in the crowd. We are lucky that our fans love to dance and can get quite uninhibited. We probably like watching them more than they like watching us.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Well, since we can't play in the band full time, probably what we already do. Three of us own and run our own businesses, and most of us work in creative and artistic fields.

Want to add Phychsploitation to your collection? Click the link to buy the album.

Fox Tracks model of the week (10/15): All-American Dream Girl Natalie Brown

All-American Dream Girl Natalie Brown is not only a model from Tallahassee, but also a veteran. The powers that be might want to think about putting her on their recruiting posters. She discusses her start in modeling, her time in the military, and what she hopes to accomplish in her career.

What drew you to modeling?

I enetered into the modeling world at the age of 6 (what they call pageants these days)! I took a long break and got back into it but I was always into the look of beautiful model!

Tell me about your experience serving the US.

I served for 6 years! I served my country in Iraq for a year! A lot of people look at TV and let their minds think that what they see on TV is the right thing about the military! Some things are right but a lot of things are wrong! It's like having a second family! I had great experiences and bad ones at the same time!

How would you say people underestimate you?

They think that I can only get my way through my looks but I continue to prove them wrong! I work hard for what I want and I am very independent as well. I was raised not to depend on anyone for anything! Nothing is given to you in this world, you have to take what you want by force and with faith!

What is the most challenging thing about modeling? What is most rewarding?

The most rewarding thing about modeling would be being able to network and meet others that are as passionate about things like you are! Having people recognize you for you talent and not always for your looks!
The most challenging thing about modeling is getting people to know who you are. It takes a team to be recognized and if you don't have that, you are pushing your career by yourself basically! Plus not to mention the 30 million girls who are trying to model and compete for the same thing that you want as well!

What makes you look at a photo and say "Wow!"

When I look at a photo, the one thing that would make me say wow, is if the model brings the talent through the photo with more than just her/his beauty! Being able to capture the theme and still pull off the beautiful look as well!

What is one goal you hope to accomplish in your career?

The biggest goal that I want to accomplish in my career is allowing the young women and young girls to know that modeling is a serious matter, but know that you don't have to take your clothes off to get where you want with your dreams! Don't allow anyone to tell you, you have to do it this way or that way to get where you are! Know who you are and that will lead you into the right direction!

Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz: music for committing evil deeds

Dear reader, I am doing my level best to span the globe and bring you the best in independent music. Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz is a band from Vancouver that is a blend of blues, psychobilly, and burlesque. Tristan discusses the band's sound, influences, and what sets the band apart.

Where would you file your music in a record store?

We'd file it under either "Trash Blues" like the John Spencer Blues Explosion, Heavy Trash, Reverend Beatman, or White Stripes. Or to create our own category: Hot Rod Blues. That's a nod to our jump-blues past but with the tinkering and rock and roll feel of the Kustom Kulture scene.

What sets Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz apart from other bands?

Musically we have a lot of different influences - everything from Alice Cooper to The Black Keys. Our music is constantly shifting but always more embellished on the reocrds with mandolin, marimba, and oran. Onstage, it's a three piece so we tour with our stage show, The Voodoo Dollz Burlesque, and that helps to entertain the crowd as well.

If you could put together a bill with three other bands (active or defunct), who would you share the bill with? Why?

The Doors, The White Stripes, and Cab Calloway - all great musicians and entertainers.

If you could write and perform a song with one artist, who would it be? Why?

Tom Waits. The man's use of musical structure is brillant and I really enjoyed Mule Variations.

Why do I need your music in my collection?

If you ever need a soundtrack for commiting some evil deeds, or a score for a party then this music is required content in your collection. It also tends to get people up and dancing which is never a bad thing.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Racing motorcylces or boats - anything that goes fast over land or sea.

Fox of the Week [10/9]: Veronica Vior

Veronica Vior is a model from New York. She has been featured in Straight Stuntin and Digital Fantasy. She discusses her beginnings, her dreams, and what sets her apart from other models.

How did you get started in modeling?

Malik, from Kids Gotta Eat discovered me and put me in one of his fashion shows.

What type of modeling do you enjoy most?

Classy lingerie. I'm into the sexy yet classy look, so I like lingerie that shows a little but not too much. Leaves more for wonder. [laughs]

What do you find most rewarding about modeling?

The people I meet.

Who are some models you admire?

Got a ton of love for Amazin Amie, she works hard and she’s very dedicated!

What sets you apart from other models?

My personality and my unique, pin-up doll look.

How do people underestimate you?

Just because you haven’t heard my name too much doesn’t mean I’m not doing big things!

Of what accomplishment (so far) are you most proud?

Finding work myself with no help.

What is the one goal you most want to accomplish in your career?

I want to start acting!

What would be your dream acting job?

An action flick with Vin Diesel!

The Utah County Swillers: unhealthy country punk

The Utah County Swillers is a punk band from Provo, Utah. In this interview, Scott discusses why you should have the band's CD in your collection, where is the best place to hear its music, and what he would be doing if he weren't making music.

Complete the sentence: The Utah County Swillers is...

A band of unhealthy and unhygienic punk rockers from the heart of Utah County, Utah.

Why should I have The Utah County Swillers in my collection?

It's the best anthropological record of a tiny subversive class of suburbanites from the center of the most politically Conservative hell hole in the U.S. of A.

What is the best place to listen to your music?

ABGs Libation Emporium in Provo, Utah. It's the best place to see any band. If you don't dare come to Provo, we also play most of the major dive bars in Utah and occasionally make it out of the state. We just got back from Colorado where I'm afraid we seriously wore out our welcome. We've also got a CD for sale on all the major on-line music stores. It's called Polygamist on the Big Bender label. Of course, there's also Radio Free Bakersfield, the best roots music show on the Internet.

What should I expect if I attend one of your shows?

A cheap cover - only a few people - over consumption - lots of country punk about the usual topics: drugs, bad women, religion, booze, trucks - spitting, jumping, kicking, swearing - the occasional fist fight - etc.

If you could write and perform a song with one artist/band, who would it be? Why?

It's a toss up between, Elvis Hitler, Mojo Nixon, and the Waco Brothers but probably the Waco Brothers because it would be such an unlikely combination. We love them, but I'm sure they'd hate us.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

Making something I'm sure, probably tattoos, hot rods, zines - something bad.

Fox of the Week [9/30]: Ebony Lavette

Ebony Lavette is a model-singer-songwriter-poet from Cleveland. She discusses how she got started, how she makes a good photograph, and where she would like to shoot.

How did you get started modeling?

My mom was a model and singer she inspired me to do both so at 13 I started modeling for an agency.

What would you say is your best feature?

My personality. Physically, my eyes.

If you could do a photo shoot anywhere, what location would you choose? Why?

Somewhere very secluded like a desert the more diverse the better the pic.

How do you make a good photo?

Make it "me" meaning don't be afraid to pose like a high fashion model even in my curves it's possible go against the norm.

What is one misconception people have about you?

I look mean.

In addition to being a model, you are a singer, songwriter and poet. What inspires you to write?

Everything from the sky to things that have made me stronger I can be free when writing poetry it just takes me to another place within me.

If I asked you to sing a song on the spur of the moment, what song would you sing?

"If I Was Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & The Pips.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish in your career?

Starting my acting career.

Vote for Ebony on TweetGurls.
Follow Ebony on Twitter.

London band Enamel: a Mongrel child of Wham and Foo Fighters

Enamel is a five-piece band from London. Drummer Chris Egglestone discusses the band's sound, who Enamel would like to share a bill with, and what the members would be doing if they were not making music.

Describe your sound for someone who has never heard the band.

Raw bass and drums grooves with 'Springsteen-esque' guitar together with melodious vocals and intricate keyboards. Sounds wank...A mongrel child of Wham and the Foo Fighters.

How did Enamel come together?

Four out of the five members have been playing music since school days, thrashing out bad versions of Cream and early Radiohead songs. Then Tim (the singer) joined in 2004 and it's been lots of fun since.

Why should Enamel be in my heavy rotation?

You'll enjoy the disco.

If you could put together a bill with three other artists/bands (active or defunct), with whom would you share the bill?

Ultravox, The Cure & Sting (the lute album).

If you could write and perform a song with one artist, who would it be? Why?

Beyonce.. You would definately know that her band would have the chops to do anything you gave to them. We could provide the raw rock soul.

What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

All of us have different ideas but it would hopefully involve something creative.

Follow Enamel on Twitter.