Random Rant #4: Batman Rescues My Sanity

My gig with Cobra Venom ran late this past Sunday night and I realized that I needed my drums for my gig with Cliff 'Em All tonight at The Joint.  I decided to keep my gear in the car and bring it home rather than lug it back to the studio that night, saving a trip downtown and the gas it would take to get there.  Come Tuesday morning, I realized that I left an important piece of gear for Friday's gig at my lockout so I HAD to go back downtown to the studio to get it.  I was NOT happy that my packed schedule was getting jacked up by this nonsense.  Then through the wonders of social media, I found out that there's a Batman exhibit going on at LA Live and the price of admission is FREE!  

Now I decide to take a detour between my job and the studio on the night I go to pick up my gear.  A free thing to do always runs the risk of being lame but Batman is one of my favorite things, so how bad could it be?  The downtown LA traffic was terrible as usual, parking was tricky and for a major Hollywood exhibit, finding this thing in the LA Live complex actually took some detective work.  I got mad, thinking that all this running around was just a way to avoid going to pick up my stupid gear and then I began to wonder all if this effort was gonna be worth it.

I finally found my way to the 2nd level of the West Garage and saw this:  

And this:

And these:

There were WAY too many other good things to post here, so if you're in LA and you're interested, you have 'til December 14th to check it out.  I highly recommend it if you love Batman! There's more info here.

This experience taught me (once again) that when you're dealing with an inconvenience, find a way to make it awesome!  I'm fortunate that I live in a big city with a lot going on.  If that's not the case for you, always try to find something that you want to do on the way to something you HAVE to do.  I'm a big fan of stopping for food at a place you don't get to go to regularly if there are no lifelong passions nearby.  Also, never underestimate the joy of something FREE.  Not many things in life are, so take advantage when they happen - especially if they're this cool!

Cobra Venom - Saturday 12/8/12 - Hollywood

Cobra Venom will be at Vicious Reasoning Studios this Saturday night, tearing it up with our friends Viscera and welcoming Slave State, which features Cliff 'Em All's bassist, Menno!  More info available on facebook.  Come drink, mosh and be merry.

Quote Of The Week 12/6/12

"To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive." 

-Robert Louis Stevenson

This Week In Drums (12/4/12)

The holiday season is in full swing.  Trees and candles are being lit, presents are being bought, parties are being planned, and in my case, drums are being played!  

Twice.  This week.  Once with each band.

Come hang out when you need a break in the action!

Friday Dec. 7th - Cliff 'Em All at The Joint

Saturday Dec. 8th - Cobra Venom in Hollywood

Cliff 'Em All - Friday 12/7/12 - West LA

My "LA Tour" continues to West LA on Friday, December 7th at The Joint on Pico and Robertson with Cliff 'Em All.  We're joining forces with Metalachi and Life After Mary for this special show for a very special birthday girl, Ms. Ondrea Faillace!  Ondrea is a true music fan, a rabid supporter of the LA music scene and a great contributor to the success of many musicians through her NPO, The Starving Musicians Program.  The Joint is her place and because of her, it's one of the best places to play in Los Angeles.  If you haven't been to The Joint yet and ESPECIALLY if you haven't seen Cliff 'Em All in some time (or ever), you need to get to this gig.  We also have some new (old) Metallica songs that we'll be playing live for the first time, so come watch us rule or fail on an epic scale! 

And don't forget to wish Ondrea a Happy Birthday, too. :)  RSVP here!

Quantum Theory (aka, the movie I'm working on)...

For those of you who don't know, I'm composing the music for the 8 Sided Films full-length feature film called Quantum Theory.  It's an independent sci-fi/heist movie about a pair of sassy female scientists who invent reality-bending quantum technology that gets stolen by a defense contractor, then  these brilliant women try to steal it back, facing off against a calculating opponent with almost unlimited resources (played by Gregory Itzin, known for his roles in 24, The Mentalist and Firefly).

This is my second collaboration with writer/director Tennyson Stead, who I worked with previously on  The Starmind Record.  You can find a sampler of the tracks that I did for that series as well as one of Quantum Theory's trailer themes on my Soundcloud page.  Composing is a lot like drumming, so it's an excellent fit for me.  The music you create in both roles is critical to completing the artistic work (whether it's a story or a song), but it is crucial to be an ensemble player first.  I've been doing a lot of homework since getting this gig and there's A LOT more to do, but I'm very excited to be on board!

While I'm developing the music for Quantum Theory, Tennyson will be introducing the two main characters of the film (and their antics) to the world in a web series called Sass X Acceleration.  I could tell you more about it, but I think that job is more suited to the man himself and the stars of the show:

Sass X Acceleration will give people the chance to meet and engage Chelsea and Roe of Quantum Theory directly with topics of scientific significance prior to their appearance on the silver screen.  How many times will you get to ask a main character in a movie a question and then get to watch them fight about the answer with their best friend?  Tennyson and 8 Sided Films love audience participation and since there are only a few days left to get involved with Sass X Acceleration, definitely check it out ASAP!  

Cobra Venom - Sunday 12/2/12 - Downtown LA

The first gig of my December 2012 "LA Tour" is happening this Sunday night in Downtown LA with Cobra Venom.  Only $5, so put aside $1 a day starting now and you'll be all set for Sunday! Killer metal bands all night including our friends Enthraller and the Judas Priest tribute band, Diamonds & Rust. More details on the facebook event page and on this flyer.  

My LA "Tour": December 2012

This is always a strange time of year for music.  Everyone's priorities shift to work and family, travel planning, holiday parties, what seems like a HUGE number of winter birthdays and of course, shopping.  This makes the show situation tricky for bands, promoters and music fans.  The scene inevitably slows down and almost completely stops between now and February....

BUT NOT THIS YEAR! :)

Between December 1st and December 17th, Cobra Venom is playing in downtown LA, Hollywood and Orange County.  In the same time frame, Cliff 'Em All is playing in Long Beach and West LA.  No matter where you live in LA, I will be playing metal somewhere near you in the very near future so if you get tired of all the holiday hoopla, come on out and thrash with us! :)

More details coming soon....

Quote Of The Week 11/17/12

"Used to be there was a lot of damn fool things a dumb bastard could do to be great, but the machines fixed that."

-Kurt Vonnegut Jr., "Player Piano"

Random Rant #3: A More Perfect Union

This is my political rant, so if you're tired of politics, stop here.

For those who are still reading, I'm so glad that the election is over.  Obama this, Romney that, Democrats this, Republicans that, left-wing independent candidates this, right-wing independent candidates that, etc.  Facebook and twitter became warzones and I'm sure more than a few friendships, relationships and family functions were ruined over this election.  The media continues to feed this fire as they always have and I'm at a point now where I wonder how much any of it can be trusted (especially considering the stories that are getting the most coverage NOW).

I've had a discussions with colleagues, friends and family about all the issues and I can say with total certainty that I am close with at least one person on each side of the fence for each and every political issue. Regardless of how they view each issue, they all have one thing in common.

I love them.

That's right. It doesn't matter to me that I don't agree with their opinion on ____________ or that they voted for _____________.  They're great people with great intentions and great potential.  They just don't always see things from my perspective but more often than not, they hear me out.  They don't agree with me all the time, but they listen.

I love them for it.  I love them all.  I respect their right to agree or disagree with me, and I see the good in them regardless of how much I may love or hate their political ideals.

What's more, I see that all of these people with all these varying backgrounds, lifestyles and opinions have so much more in common with each other than against each other.  They also have INFINITELY more in common with each other than they have with any politician.  There's so much potential for good, for progress, for the bright future that everyone dreams about and that our leaders are constantly selling to us.  Almost everyone wants the exact same things.  They just have different plans for how we should get there.

We keep hearing about our "divided America" in the media.  The biggest issue of all is a lack of willingness to listen, understand, accept, compromise and move forward together.  Too many people (especially at the top), want it their way or no way and sadly, our system is one of extremes, not a give and take.  THIS is why we're so divided.  THIS is why our nation feels like we have less and less control over it.  THIS is why so many people are angry, disillusioned, and in some cases, even crazy.  We're a smart, savvy, determined generation of Americans with a lot to offer, so let's be an example to our leaders, our communities and especially our children.

Please give each other a chance.  We're fortunate to live in a country that allows us to disagree with each other AND openly criticize our leaders in public, online and everywhere we go.  For over 236 years, people have given their lives to give us this opportunity.  Let's not waste it with more bickering.  Let's move forward TOGETHER!

I'm Dan Hegarty and I approve this message.

Cobra Venom in OC next Friday Nov. 9th!

Cobra Venom will be joining some friends behind the Orange Curtain for a killer show at the Doll Hut next Friday, November 9th. More info on the facebook event page. We'll have all our records plus the new shirts at the gig so come say hi, drink, listen to music and buy our stuff. It's awesome, I promise! :)

Random Rant #2: Movie, I want my two hours back!

Everyone has been there. You're all excited about the movie you're about to watch. You have your food, beverage and companion of choice on hand.  The screen goes dark....

And two hours later you wish you could beat up that movie. 

What's the most maddening thing about a movie that just doesn't work for you? For me, it's one of three things.....or in a really bad scenario, ALL three of these things:

1.  NOTHING happens.  I like stories with a beginning, middle and end.  The characters and their setting get a quick introduction and they're on their way.  Some stuff happens, something goes wrong, they have to fix it (or at least try), a big confrontation goes down and the characters have arrived in a new place and/or mentality from where they started.  THE END.  Unfortunately too many movies don't get this right, they take way too much time to get there or they bite off more than they can chew (too many subplots, five or more main characters, etc) and suddenly the movie just stops dead in its tracks.  

2.  Bad writing.  This can take on many forms but the most frequent offenders are either lack of clear objectives or bad dialogue.  Characters (are supposed to) have motivations. A good story also has great themes surrounding the conflict, whether obvious or underlying.  Dialogue is also critical.  When it's cheesy or the scenario plays out in a scripted, unrealistic manner, it hurts our suspension of disbelief.  That's pretty much the worst thing you can do to an audience.  I would also argue that when most people say they hated the acting in a movie, it was actually the writing that they hated.  Actors can do a lot of things right and wrong, but with bad dialogue, their options become very limited and only the best actors that know the craft inside and out have a shot at salvaging the messy script they were handed.

3. Too long.  As a musician and a motivated individual, time is the most valuable resource I have and also the most scarce (hence the title of this rant).  I have passed up many movies, TV shows and sports events because I didn't have the time to watch them.  I'm certain you have done the same.  I almost never watch anything over two hours long during the week and on weekends, I still have to schedule it.  The movies that satisfy me the most are the ones where I'm completely engaged.  Sometimes those movies end up being three hours long but the important thing is that they don't FEEL like three-hour movies.  I've turned off movies that clocked in at just over an hour and a half just cuz they felt too long.  If I'm watching the clock and not the movie, that movie has failed the Dan test.

There are a lot of other things about movies that can drive me nuts (overpriced tickets, bad special effects, annoying/bad actors, disruptive scores/soundtracks, stupid plot devices, obnoxious product placements, movies with no fight scenes, etc).  However, I can let a lot of those things go if none of the three things I mentioned above are happening.  The good news is that more often that not, if the movie gets those three things right, they get everything else right as well.

Now I wanna watch more movies.  Anyone have two hours I can borrow?

Classic Metallica, Sabbath & STP at The Joint this Saturday 10/13!

Cliff 'Em All will be performing with our friends Stone Temple Co-Pilots and Electric Funeral at The Joint. All you need is $10 and an 18+ ID.  Come rock out to 3 decades of great music in Los Angeles this Saturday night!

Cobra Venom reviewed in Metal Maniacs!

Cobra Venom is happy to report that "Extinction Reality" received a glowing review from Mike Abominator at Metal Maniacs.  Many thanks to the most metal maniac of all!

The album is also available on iTunes and Amazon now.  Check it out if you haven't already and feel free to give us a review of your own there as well!


We also have some new videos on the Cobra Venom YouTube channel, including some tour footage:

Our next gig is on November 9th at The Doll Hut.  It's on a Friday and the lineup is awesome so if you're in or near OC, don't miss it!

Cliff 'Em All with Huntress and more this Thursday!

Cliff 'Em All will be joining our friends Huntress as well as Mawdryn and The Menstraurs this Thursday 10/4 at Los Globos in Silverlake! Come get your classic and current metal on HARD!

Random Rant #1: Skeletor Needed She-Ra

Ok, so I post A LOT about my drumming and band adventures on facebook, twitter and of course, this blog.  I've decided to add some of my nerdery to this mix.  I mean, I call myself Jedi Drummer.  People also know me as Dan The Hammer.  It is impossible for me to be totally serious and hardcore 100% of the time.  Plus, I can't call this rant random if it's about Star Wars.  That's too close to Jedi Drummer.  Welcome to my first of what will be many Random Rants....

Skeletor could’ve had it all.  Had he managed to recruit She-Ra and the Great Rebellion, Eternia & the Horde would have been finished!

Think about it.  Skeletor's biggest problems are single-minded sickness and a lack of capable henchmen.  He has ONE plan – capture Castle Grayskull.  He can't do it because Beast Man, Trap Jaw, Tri-Clops, Mer Man, et al are incompetent and Evil Lyn is not exactly loyal to him.  However, Skeletor DID kick Hordak off of Eternia permanently, so he knows how to beat a powerful adversary.

Once She-Ra left the Horde, their grip on Etheria was significantly loosened.  The Great Rebellion went from the brink of extinction to becoming a real threat to the Horde.  With Skeletor helping them, the Horde would eventually be beaten by the Great Rebellion.  If Skeletor could then somehow get this group that's used to fighting with limited resources and wits alone to take on the Sorceress, He-Man and then Randor's forces, he'd have a really good chance at taking Grayskull, conquering Eternia and then....well, whatever he felt like doing.  Especially since He-Man couldn't possibly kill She-Ra and as far as anyone can tell, they're equally matched.  In fact, I’d argue that She-Ra would be the PERFECT ally for Skeletor because she’s so compelling.

What makes She-Ra as compelling if not more compelling than He-Man? Mission. He-Man is playing defense the whole time in the classic Masters Of The Universe series.  He has no goals, no quest, no mission other than to protect Castle Grayskull.  Fortunately for him, Skeletor is ambitious enough to keep trying to capture Grayskull so He-Man manages to keep busy.  Fortunately for He-Man, Skeletor is kind of lazy and keeps sending his most inept henchman to carry out his evil plans.  Whenever Skeletor himself takes some accountability, his plan ALMOST works.  It's only then that He-Man has to really step up and be the most powerful man in the Universe.

She-Ra has a mission.  The Evil Horde controls Etheria.  It's THEIR planet and she is trying to take it back for the people.  This means providing for the already existing Great Rebellion, recruiting new allies and stopping the Horde from becoming even more powerful.  The stakes are pretty high in She-Ra.  Although she usually succeeds in her missions, she can't afford not to because she's already at a disadvantage.  He-Man has the advantage because he's enforcing the will of King Randor and the Sorceress.  If for some reason He-Man DOESN'T stop Skeletor, he has some resources to call on.  If She-Ra loses to the Horde, she has to work that much harder to get BACK to where she just was a minute ago – which is still basically nowhere.  Even with He-Man as her brother, taking Etheria back is no small task.  Props to She-Ra for keeping up the good fight.

I should start consulting for fictional villains.  Anyone need a nerd?

Cobra Venom returns this Sunday, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!!!

Following our successful and super-fun West Coast mini-tour with Panties, CV is back in town and ready to thrash in Long Beach this Sunday, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!!!!  Only $5 to get in so after you're done with football, come tear it up with us!

Jedi Drummer @ Star Wars Celebration VI

Just over 2 years ago, I created a video that combined two of my favorite passions - Star Wars and heavy metal drumming.  One of the first places I went to spread the word about the Jedi Drummer project was the Star Wars Celebration V convention in Orlando.  This year, I'm headed back to Florida once again to join my fellow Jedi Knights and Sith Lords for Star Wars Celebration VI, which will definitely be the most fun a Star Wars fan can have without actually being in one of the movies.

Let me know if you're going as well. May the Force be with you! 

Cobra Venom and Panties West Coast Mini-Tour!

That's right. Cobra Venom and Panties are joining forces for a few dates in California and Oregon.  All of the info can be found at the facebook page for the mini-tour.  If you're in CA or OR around Labor Day weekend, come thrash with us!

Quantum Theory Party this Saturday (6/16/12) in LA!

My next composing project is for a movie called Quantum Theory.  It's about two scientists that create a reality-bending technology that gets stolen by a defense contractor - then they have to steal it back! It's a smart, funny, fast-paced sci-fi movie with a heist movie flavor.

8 Sided Films is hosting a party for this movie at 15147 Hamlin St. in Van Nuys this Saturday, June 16th. The party starts at 8 pm and goes til whenever.  The cast and crew will be there along with food, booze, music and other festive activities and all you need is $1 or more to join in the fun.  No cash?  It's cool. Bring your credit card and put $1 or more on that.


There's a detailed explanation of exactly what you're in store for here and on facebook, but the most important thing is that I will be there! :)

Check out the trailer below and listen for the music.  It's mine.  See you Saturday!

Cobra Venom releases "Extinction Reality" this Friday!

At long last, Cobra Venom is ready to unleash its first full-length album and we're bringing our friends to help celebrate.  "Extinction Reality" arrives this week!  If you're in LA and 18 or over this Friday (May 18th), make it to this gig!  $5 will not buy you this much quality, live heavy music ever again.  Doors at 8 pm.  See you in the pit!

Metal Monday Part 2: Cliff 'Em All at The Viper Room 5/7!

The Sunset Strip is facing a new breed of 80s metal tribute band next Monday night! Cliff 'Em All is headlining at The Viper Room, so if you're thinking about seeing Steel Panther next week, know that you have another choice now....

Get your advance tickets here.  See you on the Strip!

Metal Monday Part 1: Cobra Venom at Skinny's 4/30

After a month of hiding in the studio and doing some record release prep, Cobra Venom is ready for battle.  More on that soon but for now, since football is at least 4 months away, get your Monday night violence fix with some metal! We're on at 8:30.

My interview with Rock Over America Magazine!

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Lewis about drumming, composing, Cobra Venom, The Starmind Record and my newest 8 Sided Films project, Quantum Theory.  Many thanks to Gerard Marzilli and Lon Haber for introducing me to Mark!  Check out our conversation below and check out Mark's work at Rock Over America Magazine.


Dan Hegarty interview with Rock Over America Magazine

The Starmind Record at the HollyWeb Festival

Last year, I finally stopped thinking about composing and just did it.  Just so happened that the electronic score I had in mind for this modern sci-fi documentary was exactly what writer/director Tennyson Stead wanted to help tell the story.  Much was learned and a lot of fun was had.  Here's a little taste of how it turned out:

Dan Hegarty - The Starmind Record Sampler

This weekend, The Starmind Record will show at Hollyweb.  Come say hi if you're in LA this Saturday at noon (that's when the screening happens).  If you're not in town, you can watch the series online.  Enjoy and remember, The Stars Are Black....

Metallica in LA on St. Patrick's Day!

Well, MY version of Metallica! :) If you're in town, come to Cheetah's in Hollywood and bang your head against the stage like you never did before with Cliff 'Em All! Bring singles too for the ladies at Cheetah's, too.  

Cobra Venom on The Queen Mary this Saturday (3/10/12)!

We're playing with the big boys now.  This 2-day festival includes bands such as All Shall Perish, Carnifex and iwrestledabearonce - all of which are playing on Saturday along with Cobra Venom.  A lot of great bands from LA will be playing as well, including our good friends Panties and some of my fellow MI alums in  Jameson and Mouth Of The Serpent.  I'm very excited about the gig and hopefully all the mayhem won't capsize the Queen Mary.  However if it did, that would be so unbelievably metal it would be worth it! :)

FREE show with Cobra Venom on Friday 2/17!

The details are above and a sample of what you're in for can be seen below.  This song also appears on the upcoming Cobra Venom album.  Come thrash with us!

ME in Metallica!

This Saturday night, I'm gonna get as close as I've ever been to playing in my all-time favorite band. Cliff 'Em All is doing a full-on, 90-minute set at The Tilted Kilt in Long Beach right after the UFC fight. Chris, John, Menno and I have been busting our asses to bring this genre-defining metal back to life and so far the response has been incredible. If you're in the area and you love Kill 'Em All, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets, make it your mission to get out to see Cliff 'Em All!

NAMM 2012

The NAMM Show is definitely one of my favorite events of the year.  For those attending, you can find this Jedi Drummer at Sabian Live then wandering around the Hilton and Mariott on Friday night and somewhere in the convention center on Saturday and Sunday. Also, Nelson and Chris from Cobra Venom are both endorsed by Spector now, so stop by their booth at 5 on Saturday and say hi to your favorite Cobras. 

Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.  Hope to see you at the show!

Metal MLK Weekend!

One thing about Southern California that has really impressed me is the diversity of its metal scene.  I've met great people from all over the country and all over the world on my journey here.  The musicians and fans are much more diverse than I expected when I first got here and it has been an AWESOME experience.  On this weekend of celebrating brotherhood, I'm super-excited to be playing in two different parts of LA with two different groups of great metal musicians,  metal music professionals and of course, metal fans! I hope as many of you as possible can join Cliff 'Em All and/or Cobra Venom this weekend.  Metalheads unite!

New shows in the New Year!

What's up, everyone!  I hope your 2012 is off to an awesome start.  It kinda feels like 2011 never ended but in a good way.  After spending some holiday quality time with great friends and family in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, I'm back in LA and busy with all three bands!

First up, Gunt returns for a show in Long Beach this Saturday night.  Check out Gunt's YouTube channel for some classic California punk tunes like this one:

Next up, Cliff 'Em All will be playing the first Peep And Destroy show of 2012 next Friday (the 13th) in Hollywood. Never thought I'd see dancing girls tear up the stage to classic Metallica songs.  Now I get to see it AND be part of the show!

Finally, the mighty Cobra Venom will be playing a huge all ages show in Santa Ana with our good buddies Internal Corrosion, Winterthrall, Abysmal Dawn and many more on Saturday January 14th.  We have tickets for sale on our site but you can also get them from me at a discount.  Email me for details.

That's all for now.  Much more to come in the very near future. Happy New Year!