Concert Sutra Explores Vietnam

Concert Sutra Explores Vietnam

by terri sapp

photographs taken by terri sapp

© Concert Sutra, All Rights Reserved

Stan Satin

click photos for photo gallery

            The buzz around Atlanta currently surrounds local Georgia legends reincarnated after many years for our pleasure, Vietnam.  From all the way back to the 1980’s, which doesn’t seem that long ago, Vietnam still rocks the stage as gracefully as ever!  Unapologetic and in your face, these folks exude the essence of what any music lover would deem ROCK AND ROLL.  The most recent lineup of Vietnam includes Stan Satin (lead vocals, saxophone), David Dean (keyboards, vocals), Zod (drums), Laurie G-Force (bass, vocals), and John Stun (guitar, vocals).  I never saw them in earlier decades, but here and now, I will see them again and again!  The Vietnam experience feels great.  The music rocks out, and the people behind it are warm and humble.  I can’t wait for my next opportunity to get some of that energy on December 16, 2006 at the Scared Records Showcase at Lenny’s in Atlanta.

            My first look at Vietnam happened on October 7, 2006 at a very unique venue in Atlanta called the Eyedrum.  When I first walked into the Eyedrum, there were some synthesizer players to my right, and a gallery containing art to my left.  The art on this particular night involved very tedious needle work with sewing needles in the shapes of pin up shaped women in different situations.  I was immediately intrigued.  Straight ahead was the area where the bands play.  It is a separate room from the many gallery areas with a stage.  Upon arrival, we met David Dean, Laurie G-Force, and Stan Satin greeting folks coming in to see them and the various art shows.  Vietnam was on fire at the Eyedrum.  You can find clips of video from this show on their band, and individual, MySpace accounts, which can all be found at http://www.myspace.com/vietnam80Continue reading

Concert Sutra Interrogates Vietnam

Concert Sutra Interrogates Vietnam

by terri sapp

photographs taken by terri sapp

© Concert Sutra, All Rights Reserved

Interview with Vietnam

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After experiencing the underground Georgia legends, Vietnam, at a couple of shows in October (which can be read about in the supporting Concert Sutra write up this month), I felt I must get Stan Satin, David Dean, David Watkins a.k.a. Zod, Laurie G-Force, and John Stun together and explore the depths of these powerhouse rockers!  In the absence of my wonderful and talented Photographer and assistant, Leah Yetter, I enlisted the help of Noel Page, formerly of Valentine Fix, and Salome’s Wish, etc., currently Pop! On Command.  Noel and I were fortunate enough to gather at the house of Davidean, where Vietnam practices on Sunday nights, for a visit, which quickly moved to a local establishment for a fabulously fun interview.  Read on for a full transcript of the festivities.  Also, don’t forget to check out my photo gallery from the last few months with Vietnam, visit the following site: http://www.concertsutra.com/06vietnam/. Continue reading

Concert Sutra on Swollen Members

Concert Sutra on Swollen Members

by terri sapp

stock photos from Swollen Members

© Concert Sutra, All Rights Reserved

Prevail

click photos for band website

Swollen Members:      Yo, Terri!

Concert Sutra: Hi!  I wanted to first ask you guys how you ended up together?

Swollen Members:      Swollen Members formed about nine years ago.  I met Mad Child briefly while he was living in San Francisco.  I had been living in San Diego, and was on my way back to Vancouver, and decided to stop in San Francisco just to check out the scene and see what was going on for half a day.  I walked into a shop called Extra Large, which was owned by the Beastie Boys, and Mad Child was working there.  We had known who each other were, but had never formally met back in Vancouver, so we started talking.  Struck it off pretty well…didn’t really think too too much about it, but a year and a half later I walked into a house party and he was there.  We sat down across from each other and started rapping in front of about a hundred and fifty drunk people at my homegirl’s birthday party.  We had the entire room silent, which you know it is hard enough to keep drunk people silent, let alone one hundred and fifty of them.  From that moment forward, we knew we had chemistry together.  We took a walk to the corner store together to get some gum, and by the time we got back, Swollen Members was in the studio the next week. Continue reading