NOLENZ VOLENZ—Maywood, NJ
I was recently told about a brand new project involving an old friend, who now goes by the name Nolenz Volenz. I promised that I would keep his name anonymous, but trust me, many of you know the genius behind Nolenz Volenz. I actually got to hear a few tracks off of Nolenz Volenz’s recently released debut CD, Westend Angels And The Selfish Saints, and I was blown away! It was totally not what I expected to hear, but songs like “Truth Hurts,” “Whiskey and Gold” and “Parking Lot Queen” were nothing short of absolute ear candy! The whole CD was well-written, well thought out and extremely artistic! I am a fan.
Nolenz Volenz is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and artist, who resides in the Bergen County town of Maywood, NJ. After laying low for some time, Nolenz had a vision of the type of music he wanted to write. So, he focused on his vision, night and day—even during work—playing every instrument and handling all of the vocals. According to Nolenz, he was just sick of tracking down musicians to play with so he did everything himself. As luck would have it, Nolenz’s hard work paid off, as he caught the ear of Mucky Pup singer Chris Milnes, who took over as his manager.
After five years in the making, Nolenz Volenz finally released his 10-song debut CD, Westend Angels And The Selfish Saints, here in 2011. I haven’t heard anything about a live band yet, but it will be pretty interesting to see him perform! Check out Nolenz Volenz and his new CD by logging onto nolenz.com.
NORTH JERSEY NOTES UPDATES:
My peeps from Kosmic Daydream and Mercury Morning will be performing tonight (Nov. 16) at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ, for a good cause. They’ll be playing a benefit show for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Foundation. There will be a $15 suggested donation at the door and for a night full of beer and great music. For more info on this benefit show, log onto kosmicdaydream.com or facebook.com/mercurymorning.
In some sad news, my brothers from Black Water Rising have parted ways with guitarist John Fattoruso, who many also might remember from the band Stereo Mud. In a recent public Facebook post Fattoruso wrote, “I am no longer a member of Black Water Rising. I would like to thank everyone for the support over the last few years but it was time for me to move on. Thanks again, everyone, and I will see you all soon with the new project I’ve been working on.” This was sad for me to see because these four guys became, sort of, musical brothers to me, and now one our family members are moving on. So, I wish my boy, Fatts, a lot of luck with his future project!
In any event, stepping up to the plate to fill in for Johnny Fatts at a recent Black Water Rising show in Long Island, was Dennis Kimak, who many of you will remember as my guitar player in Hostel Inc. or maybe his own band, Quick Kill Formula, or the band he toured with on CrüeFest, 16 Second Stare? Dennis is currently holding down the guitarist position for former MCA Recording Artist, Spread Eagle, but has made some time in his busy schedule to play some shows with Black Water Rising. Who knows what will come of this union? I guess we’ll see! Stay tuned at blackwaterrising.com, where you can also check out the new video for their latest single, “No Halos.”
And finally, for my local musicians, there’s a new outlet to get your music seen and heard! My old pal, Frank Schultz, has recently told me that he’s reporting for a new web TV show that is promoting the local music scene. The name of the show is I Scream TV, and they are looking to promote you! So, get in touch with the show’s director, Victor Barriga, now at iscreamtv.co, and just fill out the application form to get your band on their web show. From what I’ve seen so far, the production seems pretty professional. Check it out for yourself at iscreamtv.co. I can only lead you guys to the water! It’s up to you if you want to drink it!
That’s all for now! If your band is from North Jersey, and you want some exposure, send your press kits to Arts Weekly, c/o Tim Louie P.O. Box 1140, Little Falls, NJ 07424, or you can email me at tim@theaquarian.com, where you can also let me know where you’re performing next!
Just remember: We’re all in the same boat, so every little bit of exposure counts!
Tim Louie is the author of S**t Happens.
NJN Concert Calendar:
11/16—Mercury Morning/Kosmic Daydream—Maxwell’s, Hoboken, NJ
11/17—Purveyor—The Blue Room, Secaucus, NJ
11/18—Sundown Conspiracy/Vooodoo Terror Tribe/Seas of Wake—The Stanhope House, Stanhope, NJ
11/19—Ashes of Your Enemy—The Backstage @ Championship Bar, Trenton, NJ
11/19—Sundown Cosnpiracy—Canvas Clash, Boonton, NJ
11/20—The Zombie Mafia/Darrow Chemical Company/The Cryptkeeper Five—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
11/23—Murphy’s Law/Blackout Stereo/Hub City Stompers—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
11/23—Mother—The Legendary Dobbs, Philadelphia, PA
11/23—Sundown Cosnpiracy—At Da Game, Staten Island, NY
11/27—Doomsday Prophecy/Darkness Descends—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/1—Steel Panther/The Jersey Syndicate—Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
12/3—Jaded Past/Ted Poley—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/3—Sundown Conspiracy—The Loop Lounge, Passaic Park, NJ
12/4—Our Black Friday—Mexicali Live, Teaneck, NJ
12/9—Rhythm Trip (reunion show)—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/9—A Pale Horse Named Death—Webster Hall, NYC
12/10—Borgo Pass—The Trash Bar, Brooklyn, NY
12/10—Kix/Spread Eagle/Trimm/The Dirty Stayouts/Circle of Insanity—Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ
12/10—A Pale Horse Named Death/BoundAlive/Lykken 21/Black Ocean/CookieHead—Dingbatz, Clifton, NJ
12/10—Doomsday Prophecy—The Irish, Kearny, NJ
