Top 10 WttW Videos of 2014

Well it's that time once again, folks! When we get to take a look back at the most watched WttW uploads of the past year, and reflect on some of the amazing underground talent that YOUR world has to offer. Keep in mind, this is only

Top 10 WttW Videos of 2013

  

   It's been a incredible year down here on planet WttW. Throughout it, we worked with dozens of amazing local acts at venues stretching far across the state. From Detroit to Lapeer, to Lansing and beyond to Grand Rapids, we captured high definition moments in time that can be viewed for generations to come. Now that the year has come to an end, it's time to find out which of your favorite bands made the cut for the top ten most viewed videos of 2013!

Evolution of the World

  

   It's the nature of things. To truly move forward you have to evolve. Whether it's the entire human race as a whole, or on a much smaller but no less important individual level. I myself have gone through some major evolutions since I first started this blog. I pretty much fully abandoned it as I made a personal transformation from a recreational writer with a full-time job installing solar panels throughout the thumb of Michigan, into full fledged videographer and small business owner of Welcome to this World Video Productions.

Genesis

   It all started back in August of 2011, after bringing along an old Mini DV camcorder with me to film the Battlecross CD release show in support of their Metal Blade Records debut album, Pursuit of Honor. I filmed the entire set, went home and

A New World

   Almost two years has passed since my last post here, and a lot of changes have taken place in that time. The entire direction of the original vision I had planned for Welcome to this World has completely morphed into something completely different. Instead of just sticking with the writing, my girlfriend Pamela and I created our own, now thriving, small business (OK, more like micro). We started a video productions company aptly named, Welcome to this World Video Productions . In the year and a half since the new incarnation, we have worked with over 50 Michigan bands, resulting in over 120 high quality HD live performance video uploads to the official WttW YouTube channel. I plan on making this blog active again, so keep an eye open.

The Official WttW YouTube channel

The WttW Facebook page

  

Top 10 Albums of 2011

   It has been an excellent year for new music. I have seen releases from some old school bands that I grew up listening to, such as Anthrax, Deicide, Primus, Morbid Angel & Megadeth to name a few. I had the pleasure to come across some new music from noteworthy bands I have never listened to before like Trifixion, Jungle Rot, Born of Osiris, Godsic, Skeltonwitch, Revocation and many more. There has also been a few total abominations this year as well, and you all know damn well what I'm talking about, but I am not writing this to dwell on music that should have gone to the abortion clinic instead of the distributor. I'm here to focus on what I personally consider the best

Exclusive Interview with Battlecross

Q & A with Don Slater and Mike Kreger of Battlecross

by Ian Pfister

    I recently had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Don Slater and Mike Kreger, a couple of regular looking dudes who happen to be the monster rhythm section from the Detroit based metal band Battlecross. I shared a beer with the guys as we joked & talked about the local scene, dealing with major labels, the work you gotta put in, the hours of sacrifice and the satisfaction you feel when it all comes together. This is just days before setting off on a Fall/Winter Tour supporting metalcore vets Full Blown Chaos with help from a revitalized Rose Funeral and fellow thrashers Diamond Plate. Here's what they had to say...

Hi guys, how goes it? First off, let me say congrats on your deal with Metal Blade earlier this year. I know all of you must've worked your asses off to earn your spot on such a prestigious roster along side some of the greatest bands in metal. What would you say is the most important aspect for a band trying to get recognized by a major label?

Mike Kreger: It goes good here! Thanks for the props on the MB signing, it feels surreal. My advice would be: play shows and go to shows to help get your name out there & build fans. Book small tours, buy an advertisement in a well known magazine or website. The more your name is recognized and seen the better chances you have at "creating a buzz". Also, biggest point..... Work your ass off and have EVERYTHING ready for the label. The less work they have to do the better the chances of them having interest. Get merch & a bad ass recorded CD, use Facebook, My Space, Twitter, You Tube and make your own domain page. These are a must!!!! YOU have to spend money, to make money.

Don Slater: Thanks Ian! It's honestly like any other job interview; your previous work history, eagerness for the jobs to come and overall ability comes into play. Show them you mean business and you've already got a heads up on the competition.

  
Who would you say are the musicians that had the biggest influence on your own playing style?

Don Slater: When I started off, I wanted to be the next Matt Freeman from Rancid (except with my fingers), and then Les Claypool was introduced to me and I wanted to mimic his style to a tee. I could name drop a list of inspirations, but to be honest, I'm not limited to bassists anymore. Someone whistling the right notes in

All in a day's work

I.

     I know this place. I’ve been here many, many times, but something is different about it this time. I remember the damp and musty smell very well. It was very humid down there, almost saturating. Even after I would leave here to go stay the night at my girlfriend’s apartment, I would carry that odor in my nostrils for hours. I particularly liked the nights when I would blend that moist, dank basement air with the metallic scent of newly spilt blood. I can almost taste the iron in it now as I think about it, like when I would get a paper cut in kindergarten and suck the wound to stop the bleeding.

Sometimes I wondered if my girlfriend could smell it on me too, especially during sex, and if it turned her on the same way it did me. It was almost as if the fragrance