The music industry today has become an industry where record companies are churning out artist by the day. Homogenized music that is now about the music anymore. It's all about the money. Let's face the facts, if you are an aspiring musician wanting to make it in the music industry today you better be prepared. So, many new acts in the last couple of years have faded from the limelight, i.e, Fuel, Puddle Of Mudd and Theory Of A Deadman to name a few. No saying that these bands are no longer making music, what we are saying is that mainstream media like MTV and radio don't play their music anymore. But where there is a will there is way. The internet and satellite radio has provided an outlet for bands and musicians today. Example, Arnel Pineda the new lead singer for Journey. If it wasn't for Neal Schon checking out YouTube, he would have never found him. Today's rock band has to take advantage of today's technology and use it to their advantage. But technology alone will no guarantee you success. You have to pay your dues. Which brings us to a band that is a great example of what using technology and working hard can get you.
Considered as the “Hardest-working band in LA”, CARBON 9 is unlike any other. Their commercial hard rock style of music is cutting edge, relying heavily on advanced technology and state of the art sounds. Although they utilize technology to their advantage, the message is very clear, “Know who you are, know who you are not and while doing so, do not lose sight of humanity. Beware of the advancements in technology 
splitting apart the human psyche”. Their latest release titled, “The Bull”, is untouchable. It is part three in a series of information that guides the listener on their passage through real life. The underlying message, “You are not alone”.
CARBON 9 has accomplished more than any other unsigned band in Los Angeles with their mind altering two hour power-live performance at LA’s top venues, countless awards and recognition, as well as their unplugged acoustic show that fills the audience with laughter and tears. They have sold over 5000 copies of their records, placed songs in many feature films, have ring tones available on the Internet, and a MySpace fan list in the five digits growing daily. Utilizing theatrics and synchronized video in their live performances, the energy and electricity radiating from this band is unsurpassed in today’s mainstream music scene. They have that magic ability to bring all demographics together with a commercial style of music that consists of rock, industrial and tribal influences, with melody to die for.
CARBON 9’s music is crafted by the charismatic Stacey Quinealty (vocals & sequencing) along with the sonic crunch of Darwin DeVitis (guitars & vocals), the creative, artistic vision of Danny Cistone (backing vocals), and the pounding precision of rhythm section Omar D Brancato (bass & vocals) and Matty Milani (drums). Their music can be heard all over the US via the numerous radio stations playing their songs as well as the 
World with the advancement of satellite radio. They have been in the top ten XM Radio Unsigned Artist Playlist numerous times and have recorded for the likes of McDonalds, Radio Shack, Honda, Warner Bros., NBC Universal, Tokyo Pop and Mitsubishi just to name a few. They have a strong following in Germany and Russia and are soon to be released in Japan. Following their “COTM, Renewed Beginnings” record, their new release, “The Bull”, mixed by Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, Perfect Circle, Powerman 5000, Tommy Lee, etc...) and mastered by Tom Baker at Precision Mastering in Hollywood, CA has upped the ante for unsigned artists.
CARBON 9’s primary goal is to maintain the high quality of creativity and musicianship that has allowed their music to touch and inspire so many people so passionately. With a new disc on the way, a strong web presence, and multiple music videos, Carbon 9 has advanced to the ultimate level. They are a self-sufficient machine, accomplishing on their own what others fail to achieve with major-label backing. For Carbon 9 2009 could very well be "The Year Of The Bull".
The Rocker and I had a chance to talk with Stacey Quinealty. He gave us the lowdown on their latest releae, 'The Bull'. This is what he shared with us…
AAM: First off Stacey, congratulations on getting signed to World Sound Music.
Stacey Quinealty: Thanks so much guys. This is really an exciting time for us.
AAM: The new album in entitled, 'The Bull'. What is the story behind the title?
SQ: 'The Bull' is about a man battling technology and humanity. It is the third chapter of a trilogy that began with our first two releases. In this third chapter the man finds that he has the strength and grace to keep moving forward in life.
AAM: How long were you in the studio recording the new album?
SQ: Well… that's a good question (laughs). As far as recording goes, it was off and on in a year’s time. In regards to the new album, we really, really put all of our energy into it. My goal was to make a record that, one day when my kids grow up and tell me, 'you don't understand what I'm going through', I can sit them down and tell them to listen to this album. So we actually recorded 30 songs. Then we narrowed them down to 20 then choose the 15 that made the album. I wrote and produced all the songs. Then we sent them off to Frank Gryner. He met with us, heard the music and loved it. He wanted to mix all the tracks, so we had Frank mix the final tracks. He did an amazing job.
AAM: So tell us, how did you hook up with World Sound Music?
SQ: You know it’s interesting; Warren Wyatt the owner of World Sound Music managed Carbon 9 for years back in the beginning when all the hype was happening. Then we parted ways. Warren had moved the company to Seattle because the company was growing. But we've always stayed in touch. You know World Sound 
Music is just like family to us. Anyway, we finished our album and I believe Warren gave me a call just to touch base. I told him, 'Man, you have to check out our new album'. Talk about perfect timing, it just so have happen the company was looking for rock artist. So we connected together and that is how we hooked up.
AAM: The one thing that stands out about the new album is that each song stands on its own. Really showing a diversity as far as musical influences go.
SQ: I am glad you guys recognized that. One thing that has been extremely important to me is, that I have my style, which is the signature Carbon 9 style. But it’s the individual members that bring their own thing to the band that really lets the songs and band be unique. If I controlled everything then all our songs and albums would sound the same and that's not how I work. For me, to have these guys bring in their personalities and influences as well as being truthful to the songs takes Carbon 9 to a whole new level. We wanted an album that had variety and we accomplished just that.
AAM: What was it like working with Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, Perfect Circle, Tommy Lee, etc.)?
SQ: Frank is awesome, just plain awesome. I'm a music producer and engineer. I always say, 'you can't mix your own records', which I believe one hundred and ten percent. Nobody has ever been able to do justice for us. Every time we've had people come in, no matter how famous they are, they just don't capture what we are all about. So, what I did was pre-mix the album and gave it to Frank and told him, 'here is what I'm hearing, now do your thing.' When he sent it back to us, I was just blown away.
AAM: Did he make any changes to your mix or did he stay true to it?
SQ: No, he really kept it the way we had it as far as the energy of the songs and the production value. Now, he made some creative decisions on his own, which we gave him full power to do, that were brilliant. It's just the sonic quality that he had. He just knew how the energy was going down. We have so much dynamics in our songs. He was really able to capture that. He did an amazing job.
AAM: Talk to us about how you decided to cover Danzig's "Mother". This is a first for Carbon 9, isn't it?
SQ: We've been thinking about doing a cover song for many years. I just couldn't really buy into it until I found the one song that we could really make it Carbon 9. For some reason, when "Mother" popped up, I said, that's it. After the thousands of songs that were thrown at us for years. That was the song that we could really make our own and still stay honest and true to the original. I didn't want to alter what Glenn Danzig already done. We wanted to make it our own. I think we were successful in doing that.
AAM: So, tell us, how exciting is it for Carbon 9 to finally get exposure on a level and international level?
SQ: You know what guys, it’s funny you ask that. I was just telling the band the other night that the most incredible thing about the whole experience from all the hard work we put in. It's not that the band is not moving forward or succeeding. it's more so, that we prove to ourselves that if we just don't quit we can get to some level 
and beyond. It really never stops. My motto in life is, "Move Forward". I'm always telling my friends, 'You got to keep on moving forward.' As long as you are moving forward, you're okay. For me, to see us move forward through hard work, not through chance or luck, is just awesome.
AAM: What goals have you set for yourselves as a band?
SQ: Our primary goal is touring in the States as well as touring in Europe and Asia. That is our primary goal. Also, we would love to jump on tour with someone that has a huge draw. So we can get in front of all these new faces. That would be the ultimate experience for us.
AAM: Carbon 9 is one of the many few bands in L.A. that haven't given up or thrown in towel. What are your thoughts about that?
SQ: I have lots of friends that are in bands that have given up so easily. They feel like they are working so hard and nothing is happening. The music industry is tough and as a band you have to have focus and lots of patience.
AAM: Your huge following here in Los Angeles are familiar with your stage show. We feel this is where Carbon 9 really stands up head above the rest.
SQ: We love playing live. We are all professional performers. We all love theater. For me, I believe, if you go see a band, you should have an experience. If your going to pay $10 or more to see a rock show, it should be an experience. We as Carbon 9 want to bring a whole different level to each and every one of our shows.
AAM: Just wait until the kids in Europe and Asia see Carbon 9 live. How exciting is that going to be for you guys?
SQ: This will be the first time we will be playing in Europe and Asia this year. We are very excited. I've been to Europe a number of times for different reasons. When I am there, I always tell myself, we just belong here. We belong here playing in stadiums for thousands of people to see us and they would really love what we do. It's like that anytime we play outside of L.A. and in different cities. People that come to our shows are just floored. So yeah, we are definitely excited and looking forward to meeting new fans and bringing the Carbon 9 experience to Europe and Asia.
AAM: You mention playing stadiums overseas. What about playing festivals here in the States like, Ozzfest?
SQ: That is in the plan. Hopefully everything works out. We are confident that it will. We'd love to play Ozzfest. It's going to be a very busy year for us that’s for sure.
AAM: Is your set-list going to be made up of songs from the new album only?
SQ: The majority of the songs that will be on our set-list will be from the new album. But I think will be adding a few songs from our past.
AAM: Are you satisfied with the response you are getting so far, in regards to the new album?
SQ: What's fascinating is all the e-mails that I've been getting about the new album from our fans in L.A. Saying things like, "We are 
really glad to see a real L.A. band is moving forward with success." That hit me like a ton of bricks. That is just amazing and we really appreciate that so much. I am so thrilled to live in L.A. and be called an "L.A. Band". You know… To live and die in L.A.
AAM: Stacey, The Rocker and I along with All Access Magazine are so stoked about the new album and your upcoming tour. You guys are ready and the world is ready to experience Carbon 9. Thanks so much to You, Darwin, Danny, Omar and Matty for giving us music fans here in L.A. reason to get down and rock and roll. We wish all the best in the world my friend.
SQ: Thank you guys for the support! We are ready, All I can say is... BRING IT ON!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO:
www.worldsound.com/carbon9 [includes stream of entire album]
