I’m in a great mood & on cloud nine. Maybe it’s because it’s 4:30 am or it could be that a fan (me) finally got to meet a long time favorite band of mine. Robyn Thrasher. Although I am sad that it was at their going away party, they are relocating to Florida in the coming months. I am still excited because we can still keep in touch ( the wonders of the internet) & I will still be able to get ahold of their new cd’s!
The show was awesome, Robyn was joined by Mindseed & Circle of Crows. Mindseed opened, minus their drummer, so they performed an “unplugged” set. They pulled it off without a hitch. Robyn played second & Circle of Crows closed with a new vocalist, who is going to work out great for them.
Robyn Thrasher’s set was awesome. Their decision not to use a playlist was a great idea, giving the whole night more of a personal touch. Dozer’s (drums) playing was in perfect time, straight and true. Jim (bass) kept the low groove going & provided the perfect accompinant to Robyn’s axe. And of course Robyn’s sultry, smooth & sexy voice was on perfect pitch in every song. They played a couple of new songs, so new they arent finished yet. If the ones they didnt play are as good it will definately be one hell of a great cd. I for one am looking forward to it’s release.
They have one more show booked in Michigan before the move, Planet Rock in Battle Creek on March 15th at 10pm. Catch them if you can, you will not regret it! Then they are hoping to start a major tour starting in New York and working their way down to Florida.
I did an email interview with them a couple of months back and here is the Q&A.
Who are the band members? And what instuments?Robyn Thrasher; Lead vocals, guitar and songwriter
James “JungleJim” Frazee; Bass, backing vocals
Jeff “DoZeR” Barnes; Drums
Are all of you from the Lansing area?
James and DoZeR are from Portland, living in the Lansing area. Robyn is a transplanted southerner who longs to return to the paradise called Florida
How long has your current line up been playing together?
Robyn and James have been working together for four years. DoZeR (James’ cousin) joined them a year and a half ago.In your own words how would you describe your music?
Hard, commercial rock. Radio friendly yet heavy. Robyn’s voice is bewitching and you can understand the words.
How many shows a month/year do you play?
We just finished our first year together playing about three to four shows a month. Once we relocate to Florida we intend to be on the road for quite a while. We are planning to tour in ‘08.
Who are some of your influences?
Robyn’s influences are an eclectic group. She was heavily influenced by Nickelback, especially Chad Kroeger who, upon meeting her, encouraged her to do this project. She credits everyone from Hall & Oates to W.A.S.P as influencing her, having grown up in a musical family she was exposed to all sectors of music.
James influences include KISS, W.A.S.P., Black Sabbath and some great funk bassists.
DoZeR’s influences would be on the heavier side of rock, including Mudvayne and Avenged Sevenfold.
How would you feel if you found out that you were somebody else’s influence?
That would be awesome. Honestly, Robyn has been in the business since her mid teens and has influenced many of her acquaintances along the way. Hopefully, we can be an even bigger influence in the days to come.
Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years?Hopefully, accomplished artists living in the tropics and never having to worry about “work” again! Robyn would love to also produce for other bands.
Are you playing just for fun or are you looking to get signed to a big recording contract?
In Robyn’s own words; “It isn’t fun if you never get anywhere with it”. So, needless to say, we are bucking for a recording contract.
At what point would you consider yourselves as a success?
Signed to a label, an indie label is fine! Touring, selling enough albums to live off of and never having to work day jobs again.Do you know what podcasting & new media is?
We do. ‘Last November’ was featured on several podcasts in early ‘07How do you think the new media and the internet has changed the music industry?
It has given artists the opportunity to market themselves and limited the control the “suits” in the industry have over what is out there. Quite often, they are not even on the same page as what the “fans” want. For instance, a record label didn’t like “My Punishment” but the fans have made it clear that it is one of their favorites. Independant artists are now able to be seen and heard much easier.Do you have a cd available? Downloads for sale? Where can we buy them?
We have a full length CD “Weni Yu Di” available for sale at shows, through the band and on CDbaby.com. We have downloads for sale through ITunes.Do you have any personal favorite tracks of yours?
Robyn is partial to “What happened to us”, James is partial to “Blame” and DoZeR is partial to “My Punishment”Do you have a website?
Robyn wrote a novel that was published in 2007 and can be purchased through
amazon.com. It is a fiction that centers on two people in the music industry. Sex, drugs and rock and roll and emotional baggage would describe it. The title of the book is “Alecya in Wonderland” and it is a good, decadent read.
We also have a variety of “Robyn Thrasher” merchandise for sale both through the band and through
zazzle.com. Everything from T-shirts to keychains and calendars. We were VERY impressed with the quality of the zazzle products and encourage people to check it out.
We got some great pictures that I will post in the coming days. Both on our myspace page as well as here.
Although I could not convince them to stay here, we do wish them the best of luck and hope that they continue their success in the southern states. As for Mindseed & Circle of Crows watch for more of them in the coming months
Just one thing left to say…..
Robyn we miss you already. You better come back to see us.
Unkle Bonehead
Thank you so much. You’re a wonderful guy and I am happy you are helping local bands get seen and heard. I miss you already too!
Robyn Thrasher
March 2, 2008