Betty Navas is one of the lucky working musicians who doesn’t need a day job. Playing music is her day job. Betty began with piano and singing in the Miami’s Children’s Chorus and eventually directed her dedication to the guitar. Since then, she has made a career out of performing at casinos, getting to play every night and doing what she loves. See…art can pay. To further follow her passion, Betty has released her own album Superqueen to inspire other people, especially girls, and show them that a career as a musician is possible, without the struggling part.

Superqueen is the name of your album. Why did you choose that name and how does one become a Superqueen?

“Superqueen” is the second song on the CD. The song describes a woman who feels that on every level she is in charge of her own life. She (Superqueen) feels that she can be, do or have anything that she wants.  She has a sense of complete freedom and there are no limits to her choices or directions in life. A Superqueen, by my definition would be one who feels and moves in the direction of independence and freedom.

Who are some of your biggest music influences?

I listen to a wide variety of music everything from E.S. Posthumus to Eric Clapton. Being a guitarist, I love listening to guitar-oriented music and that is my biggest influence. I am very influenced by guitar-driven groups and artists like Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and Foo Fighters.

According to your MySpace, you are constantly on the road, what is your favorite city to play?

I don’t have a particular favorite, but if I had to pick one it would be Ontario, Canada. It’s closer to my home in L.A. and the people there are really great.

A lot of your events are in casinos, what has been your biggest win to date?

I don’t gamble in the casinos. My biggest win so far is achieving my goals as far as becoming a professional musician full-time.

You made a music video for the song “Love Is,” what’s the story behind that song?

I wrote that song while I was taking a course on Protools. As part of the course, we had to learn how to add music to video and film clips. I wrote the song and soon after shot the video in short segments around L.A. I came up with the idea to write the song after reading books on metaphysics. The song is about love in a universal sense that states compassion and forgiveness are acts of love too. I wanted to encompass more perspectives about love from an expanded point of view rather than a purely romantic point of view.

Which of your songs is the most personal to you?

If I had to pick the most personal it would be “Stay in My Skin.” That songs describes my personal thoughts and feeling about genuine self-acceptance.

If you could have anyone to start a band with, who would be in it?

If I could have anyone, it would be Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews and Josh Homme to name a few. I really love their singing and playing.

If you could have any special power to use inside of a casino, what would it be and what else would you use it for?

I would use my special powers of focus to win a large jackpot and teach others how they can do the same thing! : )

Check her out on MySpace or on Facebook

I’m not much of a cook. I’m a bit more of an eater and I really love it when I get to eat something, (that I’ve eaten a hundred times before), and it has a fresh, new and interesting taste. This is what Dogs and Bones does. They are seasoned musical “cooks” and know just how to serve up traditional genres with some added spice to take the music to new places. They take some good old-fashioned classic rock and throw in some blues, rockabilly, motown and psychedelic influence and create something truly timeless…and delicious.

What is the story behind your band’s name?

Phil: Our original bass player, Liberty, said about a friend was “hounding” a girl and he was acting like a dog without a bone.  Perfect name for this band.

If you were a dog in real life, what breed would you be and why?

Greig: I’d be a poodle.  They don’t shed.

Phil: A boxer, lovable, a mug and aggressive when necessary

Why did you choose to use an Andy Warhol inspired photo on your CD?

Phil: The band stylistically and musically is more akin to ’60s bands than contemporary groups. An icon of the ’60s like Warhol is representative of us, our taste in music and in art.

Greig: Andy Warhol is timeless like us.  Many different colors of the same image.  We have taken basic blues and colored it to match our vision.

I am told that your drummer, Phil, shares lead vocals, how did you learn to multitask like that?

Phil: Being a drummer since I was a kid, I had to be able to multi-task to even play drums. (You know, pat your head and rub your tummy).  Adding vocals is simply a matter of remembering to breathe.

What song that you play live seems to be a crowd pleaser?

Greig: “Leave Me Alone” seems to be a crowd favorite.  Although it’s about a woman who was obsessive, people always come up to us and say, “that song is soooo pretty.”  Go figure.

Phil: “Rescue Me” always gets the crowd moving.

What is the band currently working on?

Phil: We’re currently in the studio recording some tunes we’ve been playing for a while, as well as writing and arranging some new ones. We’re also planning on getting back in front of a live audience this summer.

Greig: Taking over the world!

Dogs and Bones have a song called “Sometimes It’s Better Not to Know,” can you give use a real life situation where you have thought that?

Phil: Check the third verse of the song.  The truth can be a bitch. So was that woman.

If you could have any guest artist play on your next record, who would you choose?

Greig: Wow, Elvis Costello maybe since he’s the whole package.  He can sing, dance (no not dance), write, play guitar.  Plus maybe he’ll put us on his show.  I met him once.  Jesse Dylan introduced me to him.  Does that count?

Phil: Stevie Winwood, that soaring B-3, those ethereal vocals.

Check them out here or on Facebook.

As a Manhattan native, Trevor Potts of NYC-based pop/indie rock band, Red Directors, certainly knows how to succeed in such a fast-paced, demanding society. The notion of “fighting for your piece of the pie” is an ongoing saying Trevor expresses in regards to his stomping grounds, which is clearly demonstrated in the upbeat, catchy, and clever music coming out of Potts and his band members. In an industry where bands race to top the charts of independent and college listeners, it is certain that Red Directors will be one of the few that achieve the task at hand.

What are your musical influences? Any bands to reference in relation to your music?

Personally, as the singer and songwriter of the band, I can only speak for myself as far as the musicians that have influenced me with my lyrics, melodies, etc. If I could pick, I’d choose Neil Young, Kurt Cobain, John Lennon (solo years), and Thom Yorke as many of my core influences.

Do you believe New York and the city itself has influenced your music? Why?

Yes, New York City has definitely influenced my music, especially with the writing process. NYC makes you fight back, and is a city surrounded by people fighting for their piece of the pie. There is definitely a motivated, aggressive part about New Yorkers where they want to just go out, have fun….but are still fighting for their slice of the pie with every move they make. You must earn your living, and everything that’s involved. So yes, the demanding aspect and fast-paced nature of the city has surely influenced our music.

Dead or Alive: What musician would you dream to play with?

Tough question…but I’d have to say Neil Young. The guy has literally seen everything – and he’s made a record in all genres. So it’d be great to jam with him in different areas of music. I’d love to pick his brain. But, if I wanted to step out of the edge a bit – I would love to follow Thom Yorke around for a day.

What’s the one thing you think everyone should do before they die?

Simple: climb Machu Picchu

If you could listen to 1 album for the rest of your life – what would it be?

Honestly, the new XX record. It’s incredible.

Favorite hot spots in NYC?

The thing about NYC is that it is an ever-changing battle there. As soon as someone finds out about something, it’s no longer a hot spot! Then….the crowd is off to the next place. However, I do love the East Village and Lower East Side of the city. The Thai places, nitty gritty rock and roll bars, and the fancy rooftop hotels are great. They incorporate such an attitude about them, with a new fusion, and a “balls to the wall” attitude.

The inevitable question: why Red Directors? How did you get the name?

I’m fascinated with Russian history, and when the Soviet Union fell, the guys that held the Soviet muscle had to go through a group of men called the Red Directors. Hence, the name.

If you could have any actor star in your next music video, who would it be?

Charlize Theron. She’s not your normal Hollywood star. She’s gone through such an incredible life, is a serial monogamist, and is incredibly sexy.

Any guilty music pleasures? Do you have the Bieber fever?

(Laughs) No. Fortunately, I do not have the Bieber fever. Guilty pleasures though… I actually have a name for mine. I have a radio station that is constantly in my head, called “shit rock radio.” The songs range from Air Supply, to Aaron Neville, to any other cheesy artist you can think of. I can’t get the station out of my head!

Best concert you’ve ever been to?

During summer 2001, I saw the Radiohead “Kid A/Amnesiac Tour” overlooking the twin towers, and the Statue of Liberty. Most amazing show I’ve seen.

Find Red Directors at www.myspace.com/reddirectors or www.reddirectors.com

What does it mean to be finished, yet unpolished? Does that mean that the work is incomplete or lacking? Or perhaps, could it be that the piece of work is actually more complete. More true to life due to it’s gritty rawness. Consider that when listening to The Will who craft high energy rock with all the edge and grit that rock deserves.

Your music has a very authentic punk-rock sound, unlike so many of these new “punk” bands today, who are some of your major influences?

Well, we don’t necessarily consider ourselves a “punk band”, but punk rock did influence our playing in the early years. We’re heavily influenced by many different genres of music over many decades, such as metal, country, jazz, and classic rock. But when it comes to our actual sound, our biggest influences are Foo Fighters, Hot Water Music, Nirvana, Alkaline Trio, Queens of the Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and The Who among many others.

It’s clear from your band photos and songs such as “Whiskey” that you like to drink, what is your favorite poison?

We’re all in to drinking craft and microbrewed beer. Pretty much anything from breweries such as Stone, Lost Abbey/Port, New Belgium, etc. We’re also a big fan of whiskey and scotch; with Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniels, MaCallan and McClelland’s being a few of our favorites.

Who in the band has the strongest ‘will’?

All three of us moved from the Midwest to Southern California to follow our dreams, so it’s safe to say that we all have a strong will. No matter where we live, no matter what our “day jobs” are, we’ve always made music. We started in a garage in single-digit temperatures, with hand-me-down gear. Now we’re in a house that has an isolated three room recording studio, but our drive is still the same.

What is the concept behind the name “The Will”? How about the album art?

It’s essentially the will, or the drive, to follow your heart and do what you love to do. High energy was a big theme when we were writing the music, so we felt that is was only fitting to have our artwork reflect that. It also didn’t hurt that our backyard was filled with high-tension wires and it was something that we looked at every day while writing the record.

With three-piece groups, band members are usually like family, tell us about some family feuds?

Well, it all started with Richard Dawson, then Ray Combs came along, but Dawson eventually came back in the mid 90′s. After he left, Louie Anderson took over. Then Richard Karn and John O’Hurley each did four year stints. The current show is hosted by Steve Harvey.

But seriously, we’ve been in bands together since 1999, so we’ve fought about anything and everything you can think of. But the feuds obviously weren’t that serious or else we wouldn’t be still be playing music together.

If you won “The Lottery” what band would you pay to stop playing music?

The song “The Lottery” is kind of the exact opposite of the name “The Will”. It’s about the people that spend their whole lives waiting to win the lottery, before they would consider pursuing their dreams. But if we ever did win the lottery, we’d never telling anyone to stop playing music for any reason.

What song on your new album has the most energy live?

“The Lottery” is always a great way to kick off a show and get the crowd going. “Whiskey” is the most energetic for both us and the crowd. It follows somewhat of a free-form structure when we play it live, determined by the rowdiness of the crowd.

Find The Will on MySpace and The Sixty One

Make sure you are gonna be able to turn it up because I’ve compiled some of the hardest rocking, energy filled tunes ever to grace Musicgoat feed. Strap on your seat belt and prepared to be launched into another energy level.

Click to Play Music Podcast 038 – Rock The Phuk Out
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The Melting Pot is back in action and you, my friend, are not going to wanna miss a single note of any tune present in this compilation. The tunes, like me, are mellow yet upbeat and 100% thought provoking.

Grab a beer, glass of wine or mixer and press play now!

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Songs heard on this podcast:

Say something…

Here’s a few artists that you most likely won’t see on stage getting an award or even performing at the Grammy’s BUT certainly could be.

See if you agree by pressing play now.

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Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Hype – “Push Me” (Available at CDBaby and iTunes)
Kelly Richey Band – “I Want You” (get it free on eMusic)
John Taglieri – “Booty Call” (get his older stuff free on eMusic)
Pauline Pisano – “Don’t Forget” (get it free on eMusic)
G Tom Mac – “Wish You Well” (get their older stuff free on eMusic)
Daydream On Autopilot – “Better Off Alone” (get it free on eMusic)
Daydream on Autopilot – “Call Me” (Blondie Cover)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
Mike Cameo’s Indie Top 10
Social Blend
Mixx.com

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

Are you looking for a quick jolt of music induced motivation? Of course you are.

Check out the wave of energetic goodness that these bands are offering up.

Press play NOW!

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Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;

The Maine – “Everything I Ask For” (get it free on eMusic)
Second Dan – “Running Out of Feelings” (get it free on eMusic)
Career Club – “Old Fashioned” (get it free on eMusic)
Wake of the Titan – “Maybe Tomorrow”
Dawn Delete – “June 21″
ISM – “Sacred Cows”

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

As you will hear in the first tune, it is time to “Give your day the brain off.” Yep, we crack a bottle of wine (or beer or Jack or whatever), lighten it up a bit and realize that, it just isn’t that freakin bad.

For best results, grabs some good Headphones.

Find yourself a nice, relaxing place and press play now.

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Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Supersuckers – “I Don’t Wanna Know”
Darrin James Band – “Thrones of Gold” (get it free on eMusic)
Hello Dave – “Mountains”
James Dunn – “Oak Tree”
Bill Johnston – “Devil on My Shoulder”
Ethan Stone – “Ain’t That the Way”
Jon Nicholas – “Grandmas Getting High”
Great Big Sea – “Straight to Hell” (get it free on eMusic)
Fabulous Hats – “Lets Go to Vegas”
Stuckey and Murray – “Taking A Dump at Work”(get it free on eMusic)

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

I am kind of at a loss for words right now so I will just get to the point. It’s just you, me, my f@#k ups and some tasty music by some talented, hard rocking, late 70′s sounding artists.

Press play now and enjoy. Simple as that.

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Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Stripwired – “Another Shot” (get it free on eMusic)
Lauren Harris – “Steal Your Fire” (get it free on eMusic)
Crash Kelly – “Ride the Wire”
Moonstone Project – “Slave of Time”

Other sites and podcasts mentioned in this show;
Sneak peak of the new Metallica “Death Magnetic” Rock and Roll Geek Show style

BRAIN FART ALERT: My apologies to Lauren Harris. I said your name correctly the first time but then – right before the song – I mentioned some other Lauren.

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.