Featured Band

Maxwell James and Co.

Maxwell Dean James- vocals/guitar
Ruger- Guitars
Chris Mozingo- Drums

Blue Stephens- Bass

#1. SZ: What type of band are you? / What genre of music?
Answer: We are a funk/pop band from “the Lou” and sound like Maroon 5 covering 311.

#2. SZ: Tell us the brief history of your band.

The record was recorded as a side project while I was in another band. I did all the instruments and had a little help from some good/talented friends of mine (Pat Haydon & Mur-Da Mary) on a solo and chick vocals, respectively. I used my band to shoot a video but I never thought I’d take it any further. I met Blue at a house party and we really clicked so we put him on Bass and Chris on drums. Later, we brought in Ruger on guitar when the guitarist we had went on tour. We’ve been rocking that setup for a while now.

#3. SZ: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Answer: Musically, obviously Maroon 5 and 311. My favorite singer is Daryl Palumbo of a lesser known band called Glassjaw. But we realy take cues from lots of styles like New Jack Swing, Hip Hop, Jazz, etc. Visually, the video was based off of the old Nutty Professor (with Jerry Lewis) and Cruel Intentions. We like playing off of the idea of having a “secret identity” to get what you want whenever you feel like it. We all have that fantasy deep down, so its fun to act it out.

#4. SZ: Who writes the songs, what are they about?

Answer: I wrote all of the songs front to back but now with the full band, we’ve become more dynamic and more groove centered.

#5. SZ: Were you guys considered popular in high school? Why or why not?

Answer: I was about as popular as a band nerd could be. I was friends with the popular kids but we never hung out…until I graduated. Strangely, they’re the only ones I’ve kept in touch with.

#6. SZ: Describe your show, visual and musically

Answer: People pay good money, even at a local level so we try to put on a “show,” not just play music. We do a lot of call and response things and make it easy for people to get involved even if they don’t know the songs. As far as the visual aspect, we try to keep it classy. We see it as a job so you will definitely see me in a suit, ready to do work.

#7. SZ: What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

Answer: I played the big high school talent show and I accidently unplugged my guitar right at the beginning of our song. I stopped the band, said “this thing came unplugged” in the mic and we started over. Apparently, the principal thought I said something like “this shit is fucked” in front of the whole student body. Needless to say, we had a talk after the show.

#8. SZ: What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Answer: Don’t see things as obstacles, see them as challenges that you have to overcome. Nothing good comes easy, its kind of life’s way of separating the people who really want to do something big from those who dont.

#9. SZ: What are some of your pet peeves?

Answer: I hate the sound of suction. Its like nails on a chalkboard for me. I get goosebumps all over.

#10. SZ: What are the biggest obstacles for bands? Did you have to make any sacrifices?

Answer: The biggest obstacle is to get talented people on board and keeping them. Its tough because you need guys who are dedicated…but have good jobs to help support the band. But usually the good jobs are harder to ditch when the need arises. So it’s hard to know when you should make those sacrifices, for a gig, an audition, etc. In this economy, you just cant afford to take those big chances.

#11. SZ: What’s the best and worst thing about playing clubs?

Answer: Best thing? its a more intimate setting, you get to see some awesome bands …and free booze. The worst? nothing. If there’s anything that sucks, its just dealing with people and I don’t worry about that stuff.

#12. SZ: Have you had any fans that really gave you the creeps?

Answer: No. They’ve all been pretty cool so far. Sometimes I don’t know what to say when someone comes up and tells me how much a song meant to them and why. Thats whats awesome about music, when people can relate to what you’re feeling but in their own way.

#13. SZ: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

Answer: No shows coming up right now. We’ve got a few label showcases but they’re closed to general public. Aside from that we’re focusing on demos and a new record.

Thanks Maxwell James & Co.! For more info about the band, check out their MySapce page here: www.myspace.com/maxwelljamesis1023

…Being born to a single teenage parent at the age of 15, life was rough. His mother tried to raise him the best she could and provide everything that is needed but at such a young age its a lot easier said then done, but she never gave up working two jobs to pay bills and support her son. The life leading to Konvicts music career is to much to list all in here but listen to his music and you will hear nothing but truth from his past and what is still happening now! The name Konvict was chosen based on his criminal record. In and out of jail since 13 years old, convicted of everything from theft, assault, to robberies, aggravated assault and everything in between! But he finally realized that jail is not the place to be.

Following Hip-Hop/Rap and R&B music since he was an infant, it was seen as his only escape from the brutal realities of life in Hamilton. He lived a life for some is rarely ever seen except whatever makes it to the news. Some people make a choice to be involved in criminal activity. Others are born into it, with no other real options, and are forced to make the best out of what they have, even when sometimes its nothing at all. Realizing his lyrical talent while writing in custody Konvict knew this was his ticket, his only option to make something worthwhile out of life. After starting a rap group titled Steel City Movement after his release from custody in October 2007, he began recording with another artist. In the end it didn’t work out and both artists went their separate ways. Alone in this game, Konvict took a break with music and got involved in illegal activity again, getting arrested 4 more times before he met his girlfriend Sky Becker. She is what keeps him going day in day out thinking positively when life threw nothing but negativity at him. Since he has met her she has been his inspiration to make his music happen. She will be the mother of his child and is the reason he keeps going when there is little or no hope left. Starting a new life, fresh, seemed impossible and it proved to be just that. All he can do is keep making hits and hope he is recognized for his musical talent. Until that day the struggle continues…