Bart Harris is the singer/guitarist for the band JunkFood which features Dan Anderson (Lead Guitar) and Van Swanson (Bass). He can also be found providing the bass for the Bret Michaels Band alongside Pete Evick (Lead Guitar), Mike Bailey (Drums), and Rob Jozwiak (Keyboard). Bart endorses Aurora Strings. It was a pleasure to sit down with him and find out a little more about the man who helps bring the music.

Where are you from? What was it like growing up there?

I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. I have a lot of family here and my family owns a business as well (Shannon Auto Sales). It used to be a small town where pretty much everybody knew everyone. It’s a little different now but it’s still home to me.

Do you remember what the moment was like when you first discovered the power of music?

I’m not sure if this is the single moment but my parents took me to see the Bee Gees live when I was about 6 or 7. I’d never been inside of an arena and I was overwhelmed by the energy. Then they had pyro which just completely sent me over the top. From that moment live music has had an effect on me.

What was your very first favorite song?

I’m not sure I can accurately answer that but I’m sure it was Elvis or the Beatles. In my house you either loved them or you found a new place to live. I also remember I Love Rock n Roll having a pretty big impact on me.

When did you first take up guitar? Do you remember what it was like to get your very first one?

My very first guitar was a Kent Les Paul copy. I was about 13. I really didn’t start to take it serious until I was probably 18. At that point I knew I had to be in a band.

Do you have a dream model you’d most like to own?

I don’t really have a single guitar that I feel like I have to have. I am one of those players that picks up a guitar and it either feels right or it doesn’t. You can’t force it.

What does your touring gear consist of?

I play a Dean Motto live. Dean has been good to me and I enjoy playing their gear.

Is it challenging to divide your time between two bands?

It is pretty challenging to juggle the time between the two. I’m very lucky to have the support of my band at home to welcome me back after being gone. We still gig when I’m home and we are always looking to the future.

For those not familiar with it already, can you tell us a little about what to expect from JunkFood?

JunkFood is a band that brings a serious party and loves to escape the real world. It is not a lot different than the BMB vibe. There is no political message…it is absolutely about checking your troubles at the door and coming to have a good time. JunkFood has 3 full length original albums available on iTunes and is in the process of recording new material. A new single called Windows will be released very soon!

How does your work with the Bret Michaels Band differ most from your work in Junk Food?

Being a singer/frontman in some ways in more demanding than just playing bass. The main difference in what I do for each band is somewhat obvious. I play Guitar and sing lead in JunkFood and I play bass and sing back ground vocals in BMB.

What have you learned in regards to the business of music from your time with Bret?

I’ve been in the business for 25 years so most things I’ve known and have just been verified or solidified with Bret. One thing about Bret is his commitment and work ethic. He is inspiring in that regards. He brings the A game EVERY single night.

What is he like as a person?

Bret is caring and dedicated to his legion of fans. Very passionate and driven.

How is it to work with Pete, Mike, and Rob?

I’ve played in bands with Mikey and Petey for 20 years. We understand each other better now than we ever did. I also think that we get the need to have space and let situations breathe. Robi is awesome. Very laid back and a killer musician. It has been an absolute blast to be with them.

As someone who sings and plays guitar and bass do you prefer one more than the others or do you love them all equally?

I really love them for different reasons. I love the power of the bass. It’s over looked a lot of the time but take it away and everything is wrong. I also love the feeling of being the “driver” for the party bus. There is something very gratifying and humbling to have a club or venue be completely at your mercy. I’m a lucky to have both of these situations.

What do you like to do with what little free time you have?

I love getting home to hang with my kids and family. Being gone and in the craziness is incredible but there is nothing better than getting home and just chillin’ with my kids.

Are there any little known things that your fans might be surprised to learn?

I’m a certified scuba diver and I love sharks and the ocean. I also love photography. I wish I had more time and a better understanding of it.

What do you think it is that separates the professional musician from the weekend ones?

The main difference is commitment and professionalism. If you expect to be taken serious then you have to present yourself and your project from a pro angle. Be passionate or get out and find what you are passionate about.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m a songwriter and I’m always writing and recording. There will be new JunkFood material soon and who knows what else. I’m open to whatever makes sense.

Anything you’d like to say before you go?

Thank you for your time and for being a part of me living my dream. I’m an incredibly lucky guy to get to play music for a living and I treat every day like it is the last. Without support from family, friends & fans, all of this is impossible.

This piece appears in Heart Like A Hammer. For more information on how to purchase a copy of this very limited edition book please email michaelxavier66@gmail.com. For a more in-depth look at the man himself please see the Van Gogh’s Ear interview. You can also find his works And You Will Find Me and Frank James on site as well.

Mike Bailey is the drummer for the Bret Michaels Band. A man of many talents he is also the President and Artist Relations Director for Potomac Records. The D.C. native studied TV and Radio Production at Columbia School of Broadcasting.

What were you like as a kid? What are some of your most fond memories from those days?

I’m the youngest of 3, with 2 sisters that never lacked pranks on their baby brother. We were raised in a northern Virginia suburb (Chantilly) outside Washington DC. At 7 years old, several of the neighborhood friends, ala The Sand Lot style upbringing with street sports, and music, would rock out to KISS with tennis rackets, jump on top of couches and chairs, playing the roles of our favorite KISS member. I was always Peter Criss of course. In the 4^th grade, neighborhood friends Jeff Pringle, Bobby Sparks, Duane Sibole, and I performed (pantomime) KISS’ I Was Made for Loving You in full costume and make-up at the Brookfield Elementary School Gong Show; dried ice, strobe lights, blood capsules, the works. Unfortunately, to a lot of adults at the time, KISS was also known as Knights in Satan’s Service, being one of them, music teacher Ms. Mayo gonged us. And of course the kid playing Elvis, won. Go figure. In retrospect, this was my very first experience in front of a crowd, playing in a rock n roll band, even if only lasted 2.5 minutes (laughs) it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

Did you discover your love of music at an early age? Who were some of your influences? Do you happen to remember you very first favorite song?

It’s the typical story of banging on pots and pans, and anything else that made noise, at a very young age. But my first real introduction to the drums was when my Aunt (Libby) in Alabama shipped me a Toys R Us drum kit for Christmas when I was 5. After destroying and replacing a few more Toys R Us kits, my Dad bought my first real drum kit when I was 9. It was a standard 5 piece kit, and remember him telling me if there’s anything else I want to add to the kit, I would have to work for it and buy it with my own money. I was so excited to finally have a real drum set, getting a new cymbal stand and cymbal, or hi hat stand, was something I was happy to work for, and in turn instilled a good work ethic at a very young age.

Elvis Presley ruled our household. Although I don’t recall my first favorite song, I’m sure it was an Elvis, Dolly Parton, Chubby Checker, Buddy Holly, or a Creedence Clearwater song. I am thankful for my parent’s diverse genres of music they listened to. The first live concerts I went to were The Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, Chicago, and Alabama. I’m proud to say I was able to see some of the 80’s best rock bands at the height of their success. Big influences were Motley Crue, Ratt, Bon Jovi, Tesla, Poison, and Savatage. Tommy Lee was my first true inspiration. The sheer power, and passion he plays with is an amazing combination that separated him from the rest.

How would you say you have changed most since then?

I’m not sure how much I’ve changed, other than growing as a human being and trying my best to be patient and kind to others. One thing that has never changed, is the excitement I feel when sitting down on my throne, and playing my drums. As a kid, a teenager, and young adult, the end goal was always to play my drums for a living. And I’m grateful to Bret, and my lifelong brother in music Pete Evick, for the opportunity to fulfill that goal. Life is good!

What do you love most about being a musician?

I believe men in general thrive on being a part of a team, regardless of age. Working together to achieve a common goal. Whether it be a local motorcycle chapter, a bowling league, coaching local sports, etc… I’ve been playing in a band since 14, with very few breaks in between then and now. I’ve been fortunate to play with some unbelievable musicians, and learned the roles each play in order for the operation to run smoothly. Of course not all were smooth sailing ships, but those experiences are necessary when learning how this business works.

What would you say is the most valuable thing you learned in your training in TV and Radio Production? What led you to study that?

Although I worked for a limited time in the broadcasting field (Engineer – WTOP Radio Washington DC), the education and experience helped me understand pre and post show production, and what goes in to putting together a radio or television show. As well as understanding the sales side with radio and television marketing, and the importance of the show content and advertising to the correct demographic / audience.

Can you tell us a little about Potomac Records?

Potomac Records was established with one primary goal in mind, to utilize our experience in the music industry to introduce the rest of the world to the amazing talent in and around the Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area music scene. By leveraging digital technologies currently available; including the world’s largest digital distribution network, digital download gift cards, custom USBs, and professional services to assist the artists career. Potomac Records artists’ music is available on 100+ Digital Media Outlets (Worldwide).

We have also been fortunate to participate in various local (VA/DC) fundraising and charity events the past 3 years. And I’m proud to say Potomac Records has raised a substantial amount of money for several amazing charities. I believe in karma, and believe it’s not only right to get involved and help the community I was raised, but it’s also a way to get the community together to enjoy great music while giving back to a great cause.

Scott McLean, Vice-President and Events Director is in charge of all of all Potomac Records Charity and Artist Showcase events. As a lifelong drummer, and Captain with the Prince William Country (Va) Fire department, Scott’s skill sets and experience is perfect to handle, develop, and grow the Potomac Records Entertainment Group. I feel blessed to have a great core group of people around me, which is essential to the success of the Label.

Mike Bailey – CEO, President, Artist Relations
Scott McLean – COO, Vice President, Events Director
Jeff Brasfield – CFO, Songwriter & Producer
Mary Shaw – Public Relations, Media

What is it like to work with Bret Michaels? What would you say the most important thing you have learned from him would be? What is he like as a person?

That’s easy… work hard, every day. Bret’s consistent work ethic is inspiring. If you lay down and relax, you can’t expect the world to stop spinning and wait for you to wake up.

What about the rest of the Bret Michaels Band, what is it like being a part of that?

Although cliché to say the guys in the band are my brothers, but our roads leading to BMB came from the same music scene and same town, Manassas Virginia. I’ve been in bands with Pete Evick and Bart Harris since High School, we signed a minor deal in our mid 20’s (1996 – Sol 3 Records). The band, Some Odd Reason released To Whom It May Concern and supported the release with 3 years of solid gigging around the United States. Together we drove across the country in a frequently broken down RV, playing anywhere and everywhere we could get a gig. We have a lot of history together, the dynamic we have performing together is natural, and proud to share the stage such talented players, and friends of mine.

What do you enjoy most about performing live?

For me, performing is the easy part. It’s getting all of the components together to be able to get on a stage and perform that can be difficult. There’s not many things as powerful as performing in front of a crowd, the energy between the band and the audience is something I wish every person could experience, it’s an amazing experience.

Are there any little known things about you that your fans might be surprised to learn?

I was constantly in and out of the emergency room as a kid. I was pushed through a 1 story window at age 3, hit in the eye by a belt buckle at 4 (blood everywhere…thanks Sis!), hit by a car when I was 8 and was blind for 24 hours (swelling / concussion)… to name a few. I was all boy, and in to everything!

What advice would you offer to anyone wishing to work in the music industry of today?

Good advice would be to learn as much as possible from your peers, and keep up, because the industry is constantly changing. How music gets to the listener is always changing. There will always be great music being made, it’s utilizing current technologies, managing your band like a business, and building relationships that will get the artist to the next level.

How do you think the industry has changed most since you first started working in it yourself?

I worked at the Sam Goody Record store in Manassas Mall (VA) all through High School, and glad to have had that experience. I’m all for technology and the evolution of the music industry. My label’s business model reflects the new music business. Potomac Records releases are exclusively digital, to every digital media outlet available (worldwide). Artists can utilize technology to build a support base outside their home base/town, which wasn’t easily achieved a decade ago. What’s important, just like in any sales job, is the follow up. You can get someone in another state to listen to your music, but it’s even more important to bring your band/music to the listener. Which will lead to selling your bands T-shirt and other various merchandise.

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? Who was it?

The best advice given to me was by my father, to always “think before you speak Michael”. It’s remembering this and trying my best to apply it in all areas of my life.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

BMB is currently tracking new material, all of us are very excited and motivated to have an amazing year in 2015! For my label, Potomac Records have several new releases in early 2015; including NobyuS (Hip Hop / Rap), Alex Anders (Country), and Kara Davis (Pop/Rock), as well as 2 upcoming Charity Events raising money and awareness for a fallen Firefighter, an Animal Rescue, and Adoption benefit. There’s a lot going on with both Potomac Records and the Bret Michaels Band, and can get a little crazy at times having so much on my plate, but when it’s something you love, and passionate about, it’s not work.

For more information on Potomac Records please see Potomac Records and/or Facebook. And for the latest on the happenings in the Bret Michaels Band, BretMichaels.com.

Sad Wisps of Empty Smoke

Every time I split your lip I leave a ghost.
Dark stairs spiral down your throat, each step built
the day I crushed you to the wall,
fresh planks hammered down with each new blow
until you begged and I punched harder
while your mother cheered.

Shutters latched behind your eyelids
rattle loose each night.
Wind howls through your broken nose.
X-rays will show
even once your candles gutter out,
this house is haunted.

Funny —
in my husk years,
as tumors suck my innards out,
when your noises roust me and I scurry
to your boot, bite through to flesh,
each time your heel hovers
above my wheezing carapace,
your guilt stays the killing thud,
at most you
nudge me with a scrape of sole on tile
until I scuttle back beneath the floor.

Then I hear the specters,
the ones with open ribs like jaws,
resume their tearing at your eyes.

I dry to cinder in the crawlspace,
eclipsed by the wraiths I’ve left you.

Mike Allen edits the digital journal Mythic Delirium and the Clockwork Phoenix anthology series. His first collection of horror stories, Unseaming, debuted in October to starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. He’s also released a new poetry collection, Hungry Constellations, the title poem of which was a 2014 Rhysling Award honoree. By day he’s the arts columnist for the daily newspaper in Roanoke, Virginia, where he lives with his wife and co-conspirator Anita, as well as two diabolical cats and a goofy dog.

The Forest Procession

Klytie The Purple Flower

Draco Floris

In Good Company

The Lady of Lorien

Thumbelina and the Egg

Penelope Friedrich

Fauna

The Revolution

Veiled Curiosity

Unicorn

Among the Flowers

Annie Stegg has been painting whimsical illustrations from early childhood, though her professional career did not start until 2004 when she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art. Her works encompass a wide variety of mediums, including both two and three dimensional forms. Specializing in character design and development, her goal is to create unique images that tell a story.

Her illustrations have been featured in various game and publishing clients including Ballistic Publishing, Apple, Android, Hi-Rez Studios, Tiki Games, Addicting Games, and SPIL Games. Most of Annie’s work is done in acrylics, but she also works in oils, color pencils, and watercolor. She currently resides in Northern Georgia.

Her 2014 sketchbook, Daughters of Oceanus is slated for release on January 8, 2015.

For more information please see: http://anniestegg.com/

House of Mirrors

I need someone who’s really
into me.
You say with a whine in your voice
I just look down at my hands
Grimace and roll my eyes

Looking for Ms. Goodbar
Again
She made herself available
You did the same…Again
It was too easy
Blah Blah Blah

You had the proverbial
Target on your back
In Neon
You…Dummy
Were date stamped

She’s a honey of a whore
A gun tote’n
Plain
Tattooed…badly
Workin’ it hard
As the day is long
And the night is black

I became ripe cataracts
That she removed from
Your eyes
So you can see
How she’s really into you

JR Knauf is a native Californian, born and raised, and that is all she wishes to be said.

My small poems of words
Tries to catch time

The fragmented memories
Trapped inside a surreal soul

Mathias Jansson is a Swedish art critic and poet. He has contributed with visual poetry to magazines as Lex-ICON, Anatematiskpress,  Quarter After #4, and Maintenant 8: A Journal of Contemporary Dada. He has also published a chapbook at this is visual poetry and contributed with erasure poetry to anthologies from Silver Birch Press. Homepage: http://wordshavenoeyes.blogspot.se/ 

Dead Wait

Odokuro

Evil Intent

A Moment of Clarity

Exodus

Lullaby

Falls Grace

Frankie

Tom Bagshaw offers up delightfully dark and wistful imagery in a way uniquely his own. For more examples of his work please see Tom Bagshaw on mostlywanted.com .

Empathy

Hearing the uncaged bird still singing,
words seep from wounds unhealed
stiff joints move slowly in the dark night
of human time, even as wind blows
over shattered glass and brick, the faint
scent of broken promises.

Seeing the uncaged bird still singing,
eyes bruised, legs healed crooked
the cruel bars dusty, but not forgotten
older scars pulse with half-realized
dreams, voice hoarse but not stilled
even as wings are clipped.

I know why the uncaged bird still sings,
freedom is a prayer, join voices
release breath, allow rebirth of
cleansed dharma, an open door
is just the beginning, listen and
know why the uncaged still sings.