Brother will kill Brother....

...spilling blood across the land...Killing for religion, something I don't understand.

You know, if you want to talk about someone that's a bad ass...I mean straight up brass balls bad ass...that man would be Dave Mustaine.  I try to think of other musicians that left a hugely successful outfit (Metallica is more than successful, they are game changers, hell game starters!)...say...Slash.  He left GnR and went on to do Slash's Snake Pit, Velvet Revolver, Solo stuff...and I'd say he's pretty successful.  Definitely Ozzy, after leaving Black Sabbath (who's new album is amazing!!).  Uhm...Michael Jackson after leaving Jackson 5 :) ... lol the list can go on I'm sure but those are off the top of my head.

Anyways, back to Dave Mustaine, I read his autobiography (great read!), and I truly admire and respect him.  He's a bad ass, bottom line.  I mean they (Metallica) woke him up, on a hangover, and handed him a bus ticket saying, "You've been replaced...you have a drinking problem."  As Dave said  in his book, "I was kicked out of a band, nicknamed "Alcoholica", for heavy drinking!!"

And what did Dave do?  When most would've given up, seeing their chance of rockstar fame and fortune turn into a texas twister spiraling the the trailer park of life...Dave started Megadeth...and rose from the ashes!!

Now in the words of my Grandmother, "I told ya that to tell ya this..."

Life sucks sometimes, it really does.  Life can be a true blue boot scooting kick to the head.  Sometimes, when you're down, life can be a real spiteful bitch and kick you again...and again...and again....and when it does...you really have one of two choices.  Stop or Go.  Live or Die.  Forward or Backward.

Other than pure, raw, determination and blessing...there's nothing better to get your moving forward again than the help and love of another.  Someone to reach down into the water and grab your hand as you're sinking, slowly...drowning in the murky waters of life.

And that my friends, brings us to tomorrow night's show.  I was sitting on my patio (some of you have been there) drinking wine and enjoying the breeze...when I got the call to play tomorrow night's benefit for the victims of the recent tornados in Oklahoma.  SSP has played many benefits, and we are always MORE than willing to throw down some Ass Grabbing, Hard Charging, Southern Metal.  We're all in this world together, and in the words of Hank Sr, "No matter how I struggle or strife, I'll never get out of this world alive!!"  I truly believe, that there is a lot of bad in the world.  But there's a lot of good.  When I look down into Samantha's eyes, see that toothless grin, hear that genuine laughter, and feel my unconditional love for her...I believe...there's still some good.  It's a fight.  It's a f*cking dog fight for crying out loud...but it's a fight that must be fought....and I don't know about you, but I hate fighting alone.  I won't fight alone.  And I won't ask you to fight alone.  We'll fight together.  Here's the details for the show:

https://www.facebook.com/events/459918477435473/

here's the link for tickets:

www.loop1tickets.com

Fight the good fight.  Come rock out with Snake Skin Prison and some other AMAZING musicians!!

Why you might ask?  Cause there's strength in numbers, and you wouldn't want to fight alone...no one deserves that.

Until next time!!
Faith. Family.Forever

dMb

I remember playing music with a friend, he yanked up an acoustic and started strumming a "D" chord and he sang, "I feel better when I'm drinking..."  I thought, "Wow...what song is that?"  After learning to play it and sing it, mastering it for the late night camping trips/parties, I was officially hooked on Jackyl.  Mostly known until recently, for the Chainsaw song "Lumberjack", I would say that it's a safe bet to say that Jesse James Dupree and the boys from Jackyl are seeing quit the resurgence in popularity in thanks to the very popular "Full Throttle Saloon" in which Jesse is part "owner" and in charge of entertainment. When the offer to play with Jackyl came down the pipeline, of course we were gonna take it!!   Snake Skin Prison has played with Jackyl before, and it's gonna be nothing but cold drinks and sawdust!!  

As if that isn't enough, Snake Skin Prison has confirmed "SSP's ROT & Roll!!"  Quite possibly the biggest biker rally in the world, ROT Rally is always a good time for Snake Skin Prison.  You see, SXSW...that's not really our scene, people are too busy getting ripped off and watch hipsters hacky sack....however ROT Rally...that's got our name all over it!!  June 14th, Friday, Red Eyed Fly, this is ALL AGES with both stages!!  Snake Skin Prison headlines the outdoor stage at midnight!!  

http://tinyurl.com/ROT-ROLL

SSP also just rec'd some new merch!!  Ladies Summer Tanks!!   These are very popular, and I don't look for them to be around for long!!  

http://www.snakeskinprison.com/contents/merchandise.html

 

I have some other "news" to give, but I'm waiting on it, don't want to count my chickens before they hatch!! Hold on Kiddoes....we're just getting started!!

Talking Music with a 3 Month Old

      Hola!  As some of you may know, I have recently become the proud hillbilly daddy of a beautiful little girl, Miss Samantha Rose Ballengee!!  Becoming a parent opens your eyes to a lot of things!!  Often times I find myself thinking, "how would I tell her this?"  or "how would I explain that!" lol.  I then (as always) turn to thinking about music, and thought, how would I tell her about music, and how would I express my feelings and love for music....so I put it down...off the top of my head of course so don't judge me...the top 5 things I'd tell Samantha Rose about Music...so here we go!      

      1.       There is no right or wrong.  In the world of music, people will argue and sometimes even fight over their opinion.  I've heard it said so many times, that there is no “sharp…or flat” (which can be compared to right or wrong)….really…it’s just a note(s) put together that doesn't sound that appeasing to the ear.  No one ever said, “This is the right note to hit…” it was just hit and someone said, “Oh…that don’t sound right…” whereas someone else could say, “Hell yeah man that’s awesome!”  As Dave Grohl said in his recent SXSW Keynote Speech, “Could you imagine Bob Dylan singing in front of the judges on ‘The Voice’ ??” So with that being said, I would tell Samantha, “If you like it then like it!!  If you like it chances are there’s someone else out there that likes it.  You have to get out there and explore and experience it for yourself that's the most fun of it!!”

      

      2.   Think for yourself.  Just because they are playing it on the radio, doesn't mean it’s the only thing out there.  And to further that note… “Thank God for Satellite Radio!!”  I can remember being younger and someone telling me , “you need to broaden your horizon’s musically!!”  I thought, “What…I play Metallica and Megadeth!!  What else is there??”  LOL.  Since then I have expanded quite colorfully.  Just look at my Pandora Stations(a quick overview):  The Allman Brothers, Twisted Sister, Van Halen, Black Label Society, Steve Ray Vaughn, Motorhead, Ludovico Einaudi, Trent Reznor, Cinderella, Claude Debussy…so I would say to Samantha, "There’s more than one flavor out there in life...so musically try them all…”

      3.       Give it a listen…and I mean that literally.  Give it a Listen.  So many times I've heard something the first time and thought, “Meh…” but then I continue to jam it and the next thing you know…I’m hooked!!   So I would definitely say, “Give it a listen, give it a chance to grow on you.”

      4.       Get to know the artist/band.  This can be a 2 way street.  I know some artists that I really like their music but I can’t stand their personality…and/or vice versa.  But…I think it’s knowledgeable to be able to make that distinction.  I mean how about this scenario:  “Hey Mom check out my new EyeHateGod tattoo…”  “Nice Matthew, that’ll look great as your singing in the choir on Sunday…”  Again…I’m not personally telling you what to like or dislike, but as I would tell Samantha   “…get out there and get the knowledge….THINK FOR YOUSELF!...Decide for yourself.”

      5.       Music is Time Travel.  This one…I mean…when I wrapped my mind around this I thought I had found the Golden Ticket.  How many times have you been sitting somewhere, doing anything, hear a song and for a split second…just for a moment, you’re transported back to a previous time…and you remember everything.  And I mean EVERYTHING!!  I love when that happens.  A song I heard in high school, or an Album we played over and over in the weight room during our football off season.  Or how about a cover song SSP learned way back…that comes on and I automatically remember me and Keith trying to figure it out!!  So I would tell Samantha:  “Music is Time Travel…remember that…the music you are listening to will shape, define, and help tell your story for the rest of your life…so choose it wisely!!”

Finally, and this really doesn’t get a number because I think it’s an “all encompassing” blanket statement.  Music will never leave you.  Music loves you…and will love you forever.  Music will never hurt you and will never mistreat you.  Just as Nikki Sixx said in an interview a little while back (after the resurgence of Motley Crue)…he was asked, “What’s it like to have Rock N Roll coming back in popularity..??..”  and he responded… “Rock N Roll never left…you did…the people did…they turned to other styles…etc…Rock N Roll has always been here…”  So I would tell Samantha, “Just like your Daddy…music will never leave you, music will love you forever, music will be with you always…forever and ever and ever!”

Then I would say, “Now crank up that Lynyrd Skynyrd and watch me play some AIR GUITAR!!”

Don’t forget NEXT Friday is my 4^th Annual Birthday Show at Red Eyed Fly!!  Hitting the big 32!!! Ow Yeah!!  I hope you can make it!!  

You can get info on the show HERE  

RSVP To the Event on FB HERE

Yee HAW! 

Peace Love and Chicken Grease!

dMb

Best Movie Quote of All Time?

“I ain’t fartin on no Snare Drum” – Pip

Ever see the movie “Airheads” ??  I love that movie.  SSP covered “Degenerated” early in our existence, that’s the “hit single” the Lone Rangers (yes it’s plural) had.  I remember having that sound track, I would listen to that baby (on my walk man) while mowing the yard, cleaning the pool, or lifting weights in my high school days.  The movie was about a band, placed in the 90’s, trying to get their song to “break” either via a record label (yeah right!) or getting it played on the radio (even more yeah right!) … in hopes of reaching past their already existing following and securing a spot amongst the big dawgs!!  It’s a comedy, and is super funny, but hits on a goal that still, almost a decade later, bands are trying to accomplish…get on the radio!! 

I’m writing about this, because recently it has been brought to my attention that Snake Skin Prison has been put into rotation on stations in College Station and Midland/Odessa!!  SSP can also be heard on KLBJ (Local Licks) and multiple…shall I say…gaggles of online radio stations, Pandora, Spotify, Youtube…etc.  Please see the links below to reach out and touch these stations, letting them know to PLAY THAT SSP!! 

Anyways, even though we’re 9 years from the movie “Airheads”, we (bands/artists) are still fighting the same battles, at an ever declining rate I remind you, to try and ‘catch that break’.  The days of million dollar contracts, million dollar advances, 15 vacation homes and 25 cars are a thing of the past…just as Big Hair, Metal Ballads, and Trapper Keepers.   Bands anymore these days ONLY make a profit when they tour relentlessly (in my observation/experience), and on top of that it has to be a bill smack full of bands, which turns it more into a festival than a 2/3 band tour.   

I’m not complaining, or trying to be a “negative Nancy” just really thinking out loud more than anything else.  I love playing music, I love writing music, I love jamming with Marc and Keith and when we hit that groove man…I’m telling you what there ain’t nothing better than that!!  Talk about the hair standing up on your neck…that’s better than then the Meal Deal you get at HEB!!   I guess what I’m truly saying is… the more things change the more they stay the same…that’s what I’m saying.  I’m thankful we’re getting some spins on the air.  Hopefully people like what they hear and will call in, Facebook, Tweet, Smoke Signal…and request more of it! 

To request/listen SSP:

KLBJ 93.7 - Austin TX

ROCK 103.9 - College Station/Bryan TX

ROCK 95.1 - Odessa/Midland TX

SPOTIFY

PANDORA

YOUTUBE

iTunes

Keep doing what you've always done, and you'll get what you've always got!

dMb

The Shit you Say!?!?!?

The Shit you Say!?!?!?

I love writing.  Like I really enjoy sitting down and stringing words together in a way that can move another human being in ways no other “thing” can.  I remember watching a video and seeing Zakk Wylde give a guitar to a young boy, the boy was looking it over and Zakk pointed at the fret board of the guitar and said, “You can save the world, solve all the world’s problems…right here…”  I agree!  Music is the universal language…well some say Love is…I say Music is Love so THERE! 

Some of my favorite lyricists would be:  Jim Morrison, Axl Rose, Zakk Wylde, Jim Henson, Willie Nelson…to name a few.  I’m serious about Jim Henson, you ever listen to some of those muppet songs??  GENUIS!  Writing, be it lyrics, poetry, literature…, that isn’t easy.  If so, everyone would be doing it. 

I like to think that my lyrics are multi layered.  Some songs, ie “Outta Control” “Let it Roll”, are not…they are just about the party.  There are others however, that I think can have multiple meanings to different people depending on their interpretation.  A good example of this, is how you read a book, then watch the movie…and see the characters and they are NOTHING like the way you imagined them in your mind when YOU were creating the picture based upon what you were reading.  Same Principle!  Either way, I was thinking about lyrics because last night SSP started working on some new tunes, and I’m always thinking about my lyrics and how to apply them more bad ass than before!

We’re super pumped about 2013, the year of the SNAKE!!, and the possibilities we have in front of us.  We hope you can make it out to a show!  Our next ATX show is March 12 for the official, yearly, often imitated but never duplicated Red Eyed Fly Pre-SXSW Party!!  You can check out the details HERE 

Also!!  Snake Skin Prison Trucker Hats are now available also!!  Help out your Favorite Rockers!!  Getcha one today … Aww Yeah…tha hookup!

http://www.snakeskinprison.com/contents/merchandise.html

Loves ya Faces

dMb

The One Man Party

The biggest party of the year…

That statement, when said seriously…and with Meaning can turn some heads.  I myself, have been to plenty of parties.  I love parties…like before I even sampled the demon spirited Alcohol, I loved parties.  When I was younger, my sister would beg my mom to make ME stay for her parties…why?  Cause I love parties…that’s why!  I’m trying to think of the biggest party I’ve ever been to…like not counting a Spring Break or anything like that.  Hmmm….I attended some parties in college that were pretty epic…yeah…those were probably the biggest back in those days.  I’m talking real deal Holyfield Parties…the kind’ve parties that those jokers on “Buckwild” would probably turn around and go home wearing their dinner on their shirts…type of parties!!  So, with all that said, I would like to say, that I’m somewhat of a “Party Expert”.  I have logged the time and experience, been the inviter and the invitee.  If someone were to walk into Pawn Stars and say, “I have this 1998, Senior Week, Myrtle Beach SC party…how much do you think it’s worth?”  Chumlee would say, “Hmmm, we have an expert in this field, let me call in Matt Ballengee, he knows all there is to know about parties.”  LOL ßthat just made me laugh.

When people post, “The biggest party of the year!!” or “The Biggest show of 2012!!”  (yes I know I’m guilty of that also…) I think… “Pshtttt…you don’t know party son…I’ll tell ya about a party.  I’ll tell ya about a party where the land lord was a pastor and called up at 2am to not only tell us to turn down the music, but did so by taking the Lord’s Name in vain…a Pastor!!”  (I’m not condoning that btw).  So, often times those “postings” on Facebook that start out, “The biggest party…” often times get lost in the information highway just like a bill board that says, “did advertising work…just did…”  that’s great, I did see it…but more like was gazing at it while trying to decide between Taco Bell or Subway. 

I told ya that to tell you this…with all my experience and expert knowledge…I would be willing to say…there is a Party going down.  And a BIG party at that.  It’s on March 12 BEFORE SXSW kicks off.  It’s before all the wrist band, hipster, skinny jeans, clowns take over…well actually they have already taken over, but you catch my drift.  This party is taking place at Red Eyed Fly on March 12.  Snake Skin Prison was a part of this bad boy last year, and they were turning people away at the door.  I’m not lying…I was there.  A lot of you were there too…maybe some of you were not.  But this year is probably, arguably the BEST Austin TX has to offer in the vein of Rock/Hard Rock/Heavy Metal.  I would take that to the bank…or as us rednecks say, “I’d bet the farm on that one…”

Here’s the info on the party!!  Make sure you RSVP through Do512!!  Cause when you do…a hipster trips and skins their knee through their skinny jeans…and because the 1,576 people that have...can't be wrong!

Ya’ll come back now…ya HEAR!

dMb

Hear the shot heard around the world!!

I remember when I moved to Austin in 2006, I had one thing on my agenda…world domination.  I remember when people would ask me what my “end game” was…and the response was always the same... “World Domination” … anything less would be considered failure.  Talk about young…dumb…and full of…uhm…spunk!  I’ve learned a lot in the past 6/7 years.  I’ve learned that maybe it’s not a good idea to drink an entire case of Lone Star before you go on stage in San Angelo.  I’ve learned that it’s not a good idea to finish your set, take 5 jager bombs, only to learn you’re the only band, and it’s not the end of your set…just the beginning!!  I’ve learned it’s not a good idea to go to Shady Grove, eat their Catfish Platter, drink 3 Margo’s, then go to Dirty Dog and walk straight on stage!!  I’ve learned a lot, and as my dad says, “If you’e gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough!”  

Another thing I’ve learned, is maybe the world isn’t exactly worth dominating.  Maybe..just maybe, instead of focusing on “making it big” or “taking over the opposition” if one could take a gander around…they might realize…depending on who’s keeping score…maybe you’ve already made it big.  Did that just blow your mind or what??  J  I’m a firm believer in the Goal system:  Set a Long Term Goal, then chop it up into Short Term Goals that will help you accomplish it.  However, you must remember, sometimes life is about the ride not the destination.  Sometimes we get so caught up in what’s going to happen, we’re not focusing on what IS happening, only to wake up one day and realize we missed it all!!  In the words of a very wise man, “Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, just don’t linger too long or you’ll get stung by a bee!”

Typically I write about Snake Skin Prison and things going on in my personal life as well.  Typically my personal life is Snake Skin Prison…the end.  However, this past Tuesday my whole ball game changed!!  At 1206p on Tuesday, 1/29/13, I heard a scream that would rival that of Vince Neil, Zakk Wylde, or Ronnie James Dio!!   On that day Kelly and myself welcomed our daughter, Samantha Rose Ballengee.  I looked at Kelly and said, “Babe, we’re a long way from the Alcohol of Fame..huh?” J .  It’s truly an amazing experience and even though I’m a man of many words both appropriate and not, I cannot describe it!!  I will say I’m glad I’m a guy…I’d much rather to the poking then the pushing!! 

Come celebrate with me this Friday night at Red Eyed Fly!!  Snake Skin Prison will be double fistin’ it with Broken Teeth, Crimson Devils, and Panhandle TX.  It’s gonna be a blast on all accounts!!  SSP Will be giving away 2 guest list spots and 2 copies of the new EP, “Smokin Whiskey” all you gotta do is RSVP (Going) to the event on Facebook!!  Click the show poster below to do so!!!! 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP (GOING) ON FACEBOOK

Some people say, “So after being here for this long, pumping and pushing this band…are you getting tired of the hustle?”

My response:  “The reason a bulldog’s nose is slanted backwards…so he can breathe without letting go!!” 

I’m just getting started!

Friday…Come ON!

dMb