By Danny Coleman
originally published: 02/23/2017
"It's a lot different," says KXM drummer Ray Luzier when asked about the differences and/or similarities between KXM and his "other" band KoRn. "It's a lot different style and with all of the experience that the three of us have; well, there's nothing preconceived. We just all put our ideas together and go from there."
The "We" to which he is referring are himself, King's X front man Doug (dUg) Pinnick and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob). Although the trio are all busy with various projects, they garnered enough interest and success after their 2014 self titled first release that they have just put the finishing touches on a second disc titled, "Scatterbrain" (Rat Pak Records) due out March 17 of this year.
One would figure that with the hectic touring schedules of their respective bands that they'd be somewhat reluctant to add another to the mix but such is not the case as Luzier says that they have wanted to do something for quite a while. "I've known these guys for years and years. I met George long ago at a clinic and dUg, well I'm a huge King's X fan and I used to hang out at their shows and that's how I met him. Years later I was at a birthday party in the "Land of Flakes" and all of these people started showing up and they were there and we discussed playing together. George said that part of my job was to, "Put the band together," so I did (laughs)."
Shying away from being labeled as a unit, Luzier says that their sound and style are very much improvisational. "Yeah, so they say we are like a power trio," he stated somewhat reluctantly. "dUg plays different rhythms and melodies and George does the same, often at the same time so that they are opposed to each other. This gives us a unique sound, well at least I think it's unique. We don't do things the conventional way like most other bands. We just show up at the studio and jam and whatever comes out of that develops into something that becomes an album. We never have any notion of what's going to come from it and we love doing it this way; we create on the spot and it seems to just flow out."
Kind of like their innovative, organized chaos, KXM has aptly named the forthcoming disc to match today's environment. "I don't know, it's pretty much the way the world is now. I was watching media, social, news media and I wrote the riff. The album sound is also just kind of all over the place, every song is different. It's very diverse much like the world climate today."
Much like their first effort, the band has discussed touring but really has no concrete plans to do so. Luzier says that the blame can be placed on his shoulders due to his commitment to KoRn. "Yeah, it's kind of my fault. KoRn just go starting in January and keep going until around December 20 every year; it's rare we take much time off. I feel really bad about it to the point where I even recommended that they get another drummer and go out on the road. So far they've resisted and we've discussed it but we have nothing concrete."
Along those lines, Luzier has taken to performing on Pearl Drums while using Vic Firth sticks and it is no accident that this combination came about. "I signed on with Pearl in 2009. A lot of people that I looked up to as a kid, like Peter Chris of Kiss and others were playing Pearl. I do quite a few drum clinics and at these clinics I play various sets so in a way I've been able to audition these kits for years and I just like the sound that I get from Pearl; I was really happy to get the endorsement."
KXM will release
"Scatterbrain," next month to much anticipation and an excited fan base and is available for pre-order right now on the band web page at
www.ratpakrecords.com/kxm. To discover more about KXM you can also find them at
www.Facebook.com/KXM official.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers Street Trenton
Fri. 5 p.m. Seeker, The Grindmother, Cognitive, WVRM, Planetary Alignment, Across The White Water Tower, (TBA). All ages, $12/$15
Sat. 5 p.m. Fell Into Yesterday, To Vanish Tomorrow, Entierralos, Last Minute Hero, Dead Robins, True Will, Delta Falling. All ages, $10
Sun. 3 p.m. World Of Pain, Laid 2 Rest, Absolute Suffering, Brick By Brick, Departed, Dissent, Separated, Drawn Out. All ages, $15 ($10 w/ a clothing donation)
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. David Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7:30 p.m. CJ Steinway
Sun. 12 p.m. Ottmar
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Michael Long
Wed. 6 p.m. John & Maggs
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Andre Mutcherson (Trombone)Quartet. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Cedar Gardens Banquet Facility661 Route 33 Hamilton
(609) 847-2016
Sat. 8 p.m. The Trammps and Carol Douglas. Hosted by DJ John Rossi & Kym D. Doors at 8 p.m., $35 (advance)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Check web page for programming
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. 80's Undercover
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. Aaron Hehl & John Dutton
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Lynsay Salera
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour" feat. Keli Vale & Nick Bucci (9 p.m.) The Mix
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Soul Custody
Sun. (11 a.m.)"Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale Jazz(4 p.m.) Paul Donovan
Wed. 8 p.m. Joe Robinson
Fran's Pub116 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Full Grown Men
Sat. 8 p.m. Ladies Of Lambertville
All shows age 21+
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Sat. 8 p.m. Smoked Ice
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 8 p.m. "Genesis Tribute" w/ RAEL. Doors at 6 p.m., $20
Sat. 8 p.m. "Regae Tribute" w/ Jah People. Ages 21+, Doors at 6 p.m., $10
Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 8 p.m. Jerry Lee Watkins
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran/Grown Up Avenger Stuff. $5
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Braod Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Spaghetti Dinner" $19.95 (Adults) $8.95 (Children) Includes gratuity. James Popik & Friends
Fri. 6 p.m. Hopewell Valley Vineyards Jazz Ensemble
Sat. 6 p.m. Just Us
Sun. 2 p.m. "Jazzy Sundays" feat. Mark McManus
Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill7759 New falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Sat. 9 p.m. Blue Reign
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. DJ John Rossi
Sat. 2 p.m. Jim Gaven
Sun. 2 p.m. Jeff & Karen
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Gunsmoke
Sat. 9 p.m. Papa DeLux
Tues. 7 p.m. Teddy Z Memorial Jam
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Eric Litts
Fri. 9 p.m. Keith Kenny
Sat. (3 p.m.) The Trip Dogs (9:30 p.m.) Sonic Blenders
Sun. 3 p.m. Miss Pumpkin's Drag Show
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Tim
Tues. 9 p.m. Nothing Is Happening
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Jo-Jo's Tavern2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Sat. 10 p.m. Radio Fiction
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Joe and Matt Acoustic (8 p.m.) Lip Synch Battle "Country Edition"
Sat. 9 p.m. The polish Nannies
Mon. 7 p.m. "Paint Night"
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 6 p.m. "Girls Night Out" Wine Glass Painting Night
Fri. 6 p.m. "Fireside Fridays"
Sat. (12 p.m.) "Laurita Mardi Gras Celebration" feat. (12:30 p.m.) Blue Jersey Band (5 p.m.) Freedom Brass Dixie
Sun. . (12 p.m.) "Laurita Mardi Gras Celebration" feat. (1 p.m.) Jazz Funktion
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Favs w/ MC Fredo
Sat. 10 p.m. Amnivor, Meat Plow, Bison. Ages 21+, $10
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. Cheryl Wheeler. Doors at 7 p.m., $25
Sat. 8 p.m. The Sixties Show. Doors at 7 p.m., $35
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Thurs. 5 p.m. Dave Murray
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Olde Liberty Tavern2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Mark Sacco
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Ernie White & Tom Reock
Sat. 9:30 p.m. The Suspects
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 1 p.m. "Meet and Greet Autograph/Booksigning" with MTV's Matt Pinfield.
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Baker & Goods
South Rio120 South Warren Street Trenton
(609) 943-2123
Thurs. 7 p.m. "All You Can eat Crabs." Music, Drink Specials, Sports on TV
Tues. "$2 Tuesday"
Sparky's Bar4633 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 943-2321
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Out Of The Red
Starbucks2673 Main Street Lawrenceville
(609) 414-3320
Fri. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night Hosted by Anker
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 7 p.m. 4th Friday Open Mic.
Sun. 3 p.m. Legendary Jazz Quartet. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Ted Hammock & The Pickles
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. ArHouse
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Temperance House 5 South State Street Newtown, PA
(215) 944-8050
Fri. 7 p.m. The Dadz
Sat. 7 p.m. John & Maggs
Wed. 7 p.m. Live Jazz w/ John Sheridan & Friends
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. El Ka Bong
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. Diablo Sandwich Band
Sat. 10 p.m. The Ruckus
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Sat. 8 p.m. Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $35 (advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. Radio Fiction
Sat. 9 p.m. In The Cut Dance Band
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red
Sat. 9 p.m. Branded Ink Society
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Some Assembly Required
Sat. 9 p.m. Seamus Kelleher
Tues. (7 p.m.) "One More Rockin' Happy Hour" Hosted by Danny Coleman (9 p.m.) Open Mic. Hosted by Jerry Monk
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 4 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Lovewhip ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
Tues. 9 p.m. Live Band Karaoke
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton, NJ Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. John Francis
sat. 10 p.m. The Zings
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
