Tag: music

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JD Nash: Finding Strength in Music Amidst the Battle with Cancer

In a heartfelt display of resilience and passion, JD Nash, the beloved local troubador, continues to rehearse with his band even while undergoing chemotherapy. Recently featured on Edgar Wonder’s Instagram Story, JD is seen rocking his signature hat over the bald head characteristic of his treatment. The image of the band rehearsing, all wearing masks to protect JD’s compromised immune system, is a powerful testament to their solidarity and determination.

“I felt strong enough to rehearse while I’m in between these rounds of chemo,” JD shared, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of his treatment. “Not everyone knows how hard it can be to go through chemo.” His commitment to his music and his bandmates is unwavering, even in the face of such daunting challenges.

Despite his strength, JD’s journey has not been without its harrowing moments. He recently experienced a Neutropenic episode, a severe complication that left him with dangerously low white blood cell counts, requiring an emergency visit to the hospital. “It was a nightmare situation,” JD recounted, describing the strained conditions at UNMH, where overextended staff struggled to provide the necessary care.

Amidst these struggles, JD finds solace and motivation in the unwavering support of his wife, Isla, and his band. Their love and encouragement are vital sources of strength for him as he navigates this difficult journey. “The things that keep me going are my wonderful wife Isla and the band,” JD expressed with deep gratitude.

Looking forward, JD is determined to continue pursuing his passion for music. He is planning to perform at Summer Fest Nob Hill on July 21, an event eagerly anticipated by his fans. There, he will be selling vinyl copies of his new record, “Like Water,” a project that reflects his enduring spirit and creative drive.

JD Nash’s story is one of remarkable resilience and the healing power of music. His ability to find strength in the face of adversity inspires not only his fans but also the broader community. As he prepares for his upcoming performance, the support and admiration of those around him continue to fuel his fight against cancer, one note at a time.

Photos Courtesy of JD Nash & The Rash Of Cash

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Sunyote Wild: From The Backwoods to The Southwest

Sunyote Wild’s journey begins in the backwoods of Pennsylvania, a place of natural beauty and familial love. Growing up in this serene environment, Sunyote develops a deep appreciation for the landscape and his supportive family. The rolling hills, dense forests, and quiet streams of Pennsylvania are more than just a backdrop; they are a part of his identity, shaping his early experiences and artistic sensibilities.

Photos Courtesy of the Boughter Family and Sunyote Wild

Despite the idyllic surroundings, a sense of restlessness gnaws at Sunyote from a young age. “I always had a sense of restlessness and creative frustration. I felt stuck,” he reflects. This feeling of being confined, both geographically and creatively, becomes a driving force in his life. While many would find contentment in such a picturesque setting, Sunyote’s spirit yearns for something more.

His family, the bedrock of his childhood, is a source of constant support and encouragement. “I have the best parents and family in the world,” Sunyote says with heartfelt sincerity. Their unwavering belief in his potential provides a foundation that allows him to dream big, even as he grapples with the limitations of his immediate environment. The love and stability they offer are essential as he begins to envision a life beyond the familiar confines of his hometown.

As he navigates his teenage years, Sunyote turns to music as an outlet for his creative energy and restlessness. The backwoods of Pennsylvania, with its natural beauty and tranquility, becomes a muse for his early compositions. Yet, even as he finds solace in music, the desire to explore and experience new horizons intensifies. He feels a magnetic pull toward the unknown, a need to see what lies beyond the wooded hills of his upbringing.

Photos, movies, and songs featuring the vast, open landscapes of the Southwest capture his imagination. The desert’s stark beauty and the promise of a culture vastly different from his own speak to him on a profound level. “The southwest always spoke to me,” he recalls. This fascination plants the seeds of a dream that will eventually take him far from Pennsylvania.

Sunyote’s early years are marked by this duality: a deep love for his home and family, coupled with an insatiable curiosity and creative drive. These formative experiences lay the groundwork for his future journey, as he begins to chart a course that will lead him to new places, new people, and new artistic horizons.

Find Sunyote Wild Performing This June 27 at Revel Backstage get tickets here

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Johnny James: Albuquerque’s Talented Influencer and Creator

Johnny James, an Albuquerque-based influencer, has quickly become a recognizable figure in the city, thanks to his unique and engaging content that highlights the rich culture and identity of Albuquerque. With a knack for creating viral content, Johnny James has captured the hearts of locals and beyond.

One notable example of Johnny’s creative prowess is the Reels series “If GTA was in ABQ,” where he humorously imagines how an NPC in the game “Grand Theft Auto” would act if set in Albuquerque. While not the sole focus of his work, this series has gained considerable attention, with one of the videos amassing 1.3 million views to date.

In addition to his viral content, Johnny James showcases his diverse talents through music, often sharing his creations on Instagram under the handle @iamjohnnyjames. His passion for music extends to his appearances on the Respect The Connect podcast, where he discusses various topics with friends and fellow creatives.

Johnny’s love for Albuquerque is further evident in his clothing brand, which features the popular local slogan “All Sick” on hoodies and baseball caps. This phrase has become synonymous with the city, and Johnny’s brand helps to promote and celebrate Albuquerque’s unique identity.

Johnny James has also embraced the role of a “Stereotypical Burqueno,” a character originally popularized by Blackoutdigital’s YouTube video “Shit Burquenos Say” featuring “Lynnette.” Through his content, Johnny has managed to bring this character to life, resonating with Albuquerque residents who recognize the slang, look, and charm of the quintessential Burqueno.

While his “GTA in ABQ” series may have initially propelled Johnny James into the limelight, it’s his consistent ability to create relatable and entertaining content that has solidified his position as an influential figure in Albuquerque. His diverse range of talents, from music to fashion, is a testament to his dedication to showcasing the city’s vibrant culture.

Whether you’re a local or just someone interested in discovering Albuquerque’s unique charm, Johnny James’ Instagram is a must-follow. His engaging content provides a glimpse into the city’s culture and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a proud Albuquerque resident.

Conclusion, or no

In conclusion, Johnny James is more than just the creator of a viral Reels series; he is a true ambassador for Albuquerque, shining a light on the city’s distinctive identity and culture. As he continues to develop his skills and grow his influence, there’s no doubt that Johnny James will remain an essential voice for the people of Albuquerque, and his passion for the city will continue to inspire others to explore and appreciate all that it has to offer.

Check this out, eeee

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The WillaJay Sober Release Show: A Night of Enchantment and Unforgettable Talent

As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation hung heavy in the air. It was clear that this would be no ordinary concert. The WillaJay “Sober” release show promised an evening of soul-stirring music and stunning performances, and it delivered in spades. From the opening piano solo to the final notes, WillaJay and her talented bandmates captured the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. Where will this enigmatic performer lead us next?

The evening began with WillaJay, dressed in a black tutu, taking the stage alone. Her graceful entrance and emotive dance moves set the tone for the night, as she began playing a haunting piano solo. The crowd was immediately hooked, and the power of her flawless vocals soon filled the room. With each note, it was evident that WillaJay had the ability to command the attention of everyone present, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the emotion she so effortlessly conveyed through her music.

Strong Collaborators

As the first song came to a close, the anticipation only grew. It was time for the band to join WillaJay on stage, and they did not disappoint. Among the talented musicians were bassist Jonathan Dell, known as Jdell, and producer/sound engineer Xhris A. Jdell, a young, versatile musician, has made a name for himself playing with bands like Jimmy Climbs and Lowmello of the Monsoon crowd. His collaboration with WillaJay on the sober release album took their combined talents to new heights.

The second song of the evening, “Codependency,” showcased the power of this collaboration. Co-written by WillaJay and local legend Edgar Wonder, the track demonstrated the chemistry between the band members as they played off each other’s energy. Jdell and Xhris A, who co-produced most of the record, brought a unique depth to the performance that resonated with the audience. With the addition of the skilled backup musicians, the entire ensemble created an experience that few local acts can match.

As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear that WillaJay’s performance was a force to be reckoned with. Her enigmatic presence, combined with her emotive facial expressions, captivated the crowd as she sang her heart out. It was evident that this was more than just a performance. It was a deeply personal and transformative journey for the artist and the audience alike.

Throughout the show, the band’s cohesion and chemistry only grew stronger. Jdell’s innovative bass lines and Xhris A’s masterful production skills complemented WillaJay’s evocative vocals perfectly, creating an unforgettable musical experience. The synergy between the musicians was palpable. It was clear that they had formed a powerful bond during the creation of the sober release album.

Conclusion

As the evening drew to a close, it was difficult not to feel a sense of awe at the sheer talent on display. It was clear that the WillaJay “Sober” release show was truly majestic, and the term “masterpiece” seemed almost inadequate to describe the experience. As the text aptly states, WillaJay’s masterpiece is yet to come, and we can only imagine the heights she will reach in the future.

WillaJay ended the night with an encore per vehement request of the crowd. Glory Box by Portishead.

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The Launchpad: Reviewed Honestly

Alright, music lovers of Albuquerque, buckle up for a no-holds-barred review of the infamous Launchpad. As a musician who’s played at this joint more times than I can count, I’m going to give you the real deal, from the good to the bad to the ugly.

The Good

Let’s start with the good, because there’s definitely some good to be found at the Launchpad. First of all, this place has been a staple of the Albuquerque music scene for over 20 years, and it has played host to some of the most epic shows in the city’s history. If you’re a fan of punk, metal, or indie rock, you’re going to find a lot to love here.

Another thing I appreciate about the Launchpad is that it’s run by music lovers, for music lovers. The folks who work here are passionate about what they do, and they’re always looking for ways to make the venue better for everyone involved. They book a lot of local acts, which is great for up-and-coming bands who are trying to get their feet wet in the scene.

The Bad

Now, let’s talk about the bad. One of the biggest complaints I have about the Launchpad is that some nights, the sound is amazing, and you can hear every note crystal-clear. Other nights, it’s like the sound guy is half-asleep and everything just sounds muddy and garbled. The in-house sound equipment is state of the art and one of the best in the city for a venue this size. However, it seems that the sound guy on duty really can make or break this aspect. The monitor situation is either amazing, or non-existent.

The Ugly

But the real ugly side of the Launchpad is the bathroom situation. Look, I know it’s a rock club and all that, but can we please get some functioning bathrooms in here? It’s like they intentionally make the bathrooms as gross as possible to weed out the weak. I’m talking overflowing toilets, broken stall doors, and that weird smell that you can’t quite place but you know it’s not good.

All in all, a Wonderful place…

All that being said, the Launchpad is still one of my favorite places to play in Albuquerque. There’s just something about the energy of the place that keeps me coming back, despite the flaws. And hey, if you’re a true music lover, you’re willing to put up with a little bit of grime and discomfort in order to see your favorite bands in action.

So, there you have it, folks. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Launchpad, from the perspective of a seasoned musician in Albuquerque. If you’re looking for an authentic rock club experience, this is definitely the place to be. Just don’t expect luxury accommodations, and make sure you bring some hand sanitizer

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MONSOON FLOODS ABQ WITH EMERGING TALENT

Jimmy Climbs, Lowmello, Edgar Wonder, monsoon founders

by Joe Smith

The views expressed are those of the author alone

Monsoon Music House is a collective, established by local artists (Edgar Wonder, Abel John, and Jimmy Climbs) to source, promote, collaborate, and showcase other musical talent, while working with local venues to execute their vision and purpose. It doesn’t start and end with music, however, as every musician I’ve heard this year, is also involved with other forms of art, film, social media, digital and analog productions, and videography, not to mention most have day jobs. The talent and vision of this collective are beautifully diverse and vastly inclusive.

It’s too freakin early for a year-end review, but the locals cannot stop talking about the generous monsoon season the desert southwest had in 2022. The welcomed summer rains drove me to seek higher ground and to get out of my suffocating Duke City dwelling. Somewhere between the east mountains and the petroglyphs, just north of old Mexico, I stumbled upon Monsoon Music House and the work they were doing for local musicians. Like many others, it seems, I have been on a path of enlightenment and gratitude, and I no longer ask questions when I find live music, local artist pop-ups, community collectives, or any effort to make this a better place. I simply go. With the flood waters rising, I found no coincidence that my drift log beached on the community that was Monsoon Music House in the summer of 2022. 

Over the summer, Monsoon Music House launched a phenomenal local songwriter competition, hosted by High and Dry Brewing, that brought assorted musical talent out of the dusty cobwebs of New Mexico and placed them directly in the spotlight for all of Albuquerque to see and hear. Just as I was burning my old habits and identity, Monsoon Music House was lighting the town on fire with high-octane, original music. The songwriter competition was wildly intense, stressful, fun, and rewarding. Even those who didn’t advance (or “win”) experienced something magical and enlightening during that exposure.

My previous life placed me in worlds at times when major things were evolving; buzzing. I lived in the UK during the early days of Oasis seizing the world stage. I lived in Louisiana when Master P and Cash Money Records had the new Dirty South buying gold chains and Cash Money phone cards; I lived in South Korea when Gangnam Style gave the world seizures; I was exploring Alaska on the heels of Portugal The Man taking over the Mat-Su Valley and ultimately, going alternative rock mainstream; I was in Las Vegas, Nevada when the city acquired the Golden Knights in a town no one ever thought would get a professional sports team; and now, in the Land of Enchantment, I find myself again amidst the buzz and magnanimous energy that is being fueled by Monsoon Music House and their tsunami of artistic love.

Teddy Roosevelt once said that “it is not the critic that counts…the credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Monsoon Music House is in the arena. They are in the pit, sleeves rolled up, boots strapped, and doing the damn work. There is no need to sit around the coffee table to critique their effort or stifle their progress. All we have to do is show up, support local, and offer love, just as Monsoon Music House has done with their surge of charitable energy and selfless effort.

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Best of “Best of Burque Music 2018”

weekly alibis best of burque 2018

In case you missed the Weekly Alibi’s Best of Burque Music event on Saturday, here I have some pictures and videos, with captions that capture the spirit of the Event. I asked many performers, organizers, and attendees, what their thoughts were on the event. Most people agreed saying “it was better back in the day”. I wasn’t around back in the day, and thus had fun at the 2018 event nonetheless. Continue reading “Best of “Best of Burque Music 2018””