LINKS
The Josh Kramer Website
What's New With Josh Kramer
Fan Mail 1
Fan Mail 2
Fan Mail 3
Contact
Saint777
Links
Josh In Germany
Up From The Ashes And Other Stuff
Want to find the official link to 
?
Visit Saint's official site - http://www.saintsite.com/
Please note that there are some other links on this page that may not contain Saint content, but are links I've been asked to add to my links page. Thank you!
Taking Metallic Punk To Heavenly Heights, Check Out Wales Road's New Album, PRAYING MANTIS http://www.walesroad.com
The new link to Tri-Rock Radio trirockradio.com/playlistA.html
I want to thank Weathers Music Store http://www.weathersmusic.com for the kind and helpful service they've provided for me and the community here in Salem Oregon. They've opened their doors for both Larry London and me to teach music lessons there at one time. Tour schedules and much traveling hampered the teaching but I can't think of a friendlier atmosphere to buy a grand piano, keyboards and guitar gear here in Salem. Owned and operated by Mr. Keith Weathers who greets everyone with a kind smile and great service. Josh Kramer
Click the link below to vote for the Mr. Saint Fan website.
Check out these cool pics from the Germany shows...
Here are some past "updates" that Josh has sent me and were previously posted on the "what's new" page. I wanted to keep them available for all the fans to read. - Mr. Saint Fan
Update 3-4-08
wow, i want to say thanks to all of the great responses on cse and the mark. there are so many, i will be able to answer all of your emails but it may take some time. we are working on the pay per download thing so please be patient as these things take time. thank god for the internet, smart webmasters and paypal. .......hjk
Update 2-25-08
Dear fans chomping at the bit for the back stage pass thing Mr. Saint fan and I are working on, hang tight. I'm almost done with the final adjustments and repairs.
I hear your suggestions about time period issues with the clothing that my illustrated characters are wearing. No, Nicolas wasn't french and tight pants weren't the rage for hundreds of years. I was clueless and hurried at the time I drew the characters as to what 300 a.d. folks wore in Roman occupied Turkey. I'm getting all of those and many other details dialed in.
Yes, people are jockying for position pre-ordering their copy of, "Crime Scene Earth" and the cool new calender Rich made. I don't know how many copies of C.S.E. Rich is printing but I have a feeling they will go quickly, so pre-order yours now.
Mr. Saint fan is auctioning some cool collectable Saint items, posters, mint condition L.P's, etc. God bless!...Josh...hjk
I hear your suggestions about time period issues with the clothing that my illustrated characters are wearing. No, Nicolas wasn't french and tight pants weren't the rage for hundreds of years. I was clueless and hurried at the time I drew the characters as to what 300 a.d. folks wore in Roman occupied Turkey. I'm getting all of those and many other details dialed in.
Yes, people are jockying for position pre-ordering their copy of, "Crime Scene Earth" and the cool new calender Rich made. I don't know how many copies of C.S.E. Rich is printing but I have a feeling they will go quickly, so pre-order yours now.
Mr. Saint fan is auctioning some cool collectable Saint items, posters, mint condition L.P's, etc. God bless!...Josh...hjk
For those that are interested in purchasing some of the items Josh is talking about, feel free to contact me, mrsaintfan at yahoo dot com. I have some original copies/still sealed of In The Battle, Live In Germany and a few others...some L.P.'s, pictures, and memorabilia. Items purchased will help keep this site running. Thank you. - MrSaintFan.
Update 2-10-08
Saint's newest release, "Crime Scene Earth" is rolling towards the launching pad and yes, we are doing a J.P. tune in an almost tribute fashion, "Invader". Jerry Johnson is back in the pack. Saint is Larry, Rich, Dee, Jerry and me and the entire Lynch family, singing backing vocals. So far the previews have been getting a good response. For up to the nano-second information the album release, go to http://www.saintsite.com
The new and improved, minus the type'o and better reading, "Nicolas The Legend" is almost finished and will be soon available on line as a pdf file and mp3, pay per download. Absolutely free downloads are available for all customers who purchased the original type'o filled, prototype and request it. The paperback republished version and the way improved audio book will soon follow. More pictures and the newest master musician to join on performing ancient chinese themes on Chinese Zither, (The Guzheng, I finally learned how to spell it.) in the audio book. Her name is Daisy Yu.
Thanks again to all of our many blessed fans for supporting us and to our webmasters for all of their hard work. Josh,...hjk
The new and improved, minus the type'o and better reading, "Nicolas The Legend" is almost finished and will be soon available on line as a pdf file and mp3, pay per download. Absolutely free downloads are available for all customers who purchased the original type'o filled, prototype and request it. The paperback republished version and the way improved audio book will soon follow. More pictures and the newest master musician to join on performing ancient chinese themes on Chinese Zither, (The Guzheng, I finally learned how to spell it.) in the audio book. Her name is Daisy Yu.
Thanks again to all of our many blessed fans for supporting us and to our webmasters for all of their hard work. Josh,...hjk
Update 01/27/08
Dear Saint Fans, There seem to be numerous utube and myspace pages and blogs made by fans of Saint popping up all over the place and so far there have only been a few ads, blogs, comments in them and such that have needed to be removed do to inappropriate content.
I don't have the time to police these web pages daily to see if someone is putting inappropriate content in them.
Just so you are not left wondering, I didn't create these web pages. I don't know how to. I guess I don't need to know how but I could sure use all of your help keeping the pages clean of inappropriate content such as; Nudity, Ex-prostitute ads, vulgarity, porn, unkind comments and such.
If you see anything like this please report it to me, utube and myspace administration.
They get removed quickly. I want these web pages that were made out of the goodness and kindness of my friends out there to be fun and safe for everyone of any age to enjoy. Thank you and thanks to you dear ones who create web pages for Saint just because you love us....Josh
They get removed quickly. I want these web pages that were made out of the goodness and kindness of my friends out there to be fun and safe for everyone of any age to enjoy. Thank you and thanks to you dear ones who create web pages for Saint just because you love us....Josh
Update 01/04/08
Hey Saint Fans, check out this link. This will let you get a glimps of one of the finest bands on Earth. -Lightmare-
I had the sureal, great pleasure and privilaged opportunity to sing on one of their songs in 2005. It is the first clip in the medley samples. Josh
Josh Kramer of Saint updated basic bio; 12-8-07.
I welcome and answer all emails good and bad so feel free to chat, blab or vent at me. I will do the best I can to answer your questions, plus in this page are continued interviews from around the world.
I am open to any questions, which may or may not be published on this site. (If you do not want it to be published, please let me know.)
To ask me anything, just contact my email address below:
joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com
Guitar Lessons sound files are recorded from live lessons with my students over the years and are at the Bottom of the page.
Please be aware that almost every question regarding Saint has been addressed in the fan mail page, about Saint page, photos pages and the Nicolas pages.... basically every page in this site has addressed 99.75% issues regarding stuff I don't mind sharing with the world.
joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com
Guitar Lessons sound files are recorded from live lessons with my students over the years and are at the Bottom of the page.
Please be aware that almost every question regarding Saint has been addressed in the fan mail page, about Saint page, photos pages and the Nicolas pages.... basically every page in this site has addressed 99.75% issues regarding stuff I don't mind sharing with the world.
Born, baptized and raised Catholic, I became born again by choice at 14, accepted the Lord Jesus into my heart with the realization that he is the only begotten son of God, my Savior, and Lord of my life, the risen King, the Lamb that was slain for the atonement of my sins. He is worthy of our worship and I do worship him.
I lay everything at his feet. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is the Word. He is Jehovah, the lamb that was slain for my sins. He is God. I am his child and my life is a fleeting vapor.
He is the one who laid the foundations of the world and spoke light and life into existence. I hope that clarifies any question in your mind as to who I believe that Jesus is.
Currently I own and do the best I can to keep this wonderful web site built and maintained by Mr. Saint Fan up to date to advertise and market an Audio book called, "Nicolas" and also to promote, advertise products and provide fan club information for the music group Saint.
My stage name with Saint is Josh Kramer. My given name is Howie Kaemerer. When I was a radio announcer my air name was Kamen Whendt. Don't worry, I'm not schizophrenic, all 3 of us are doing just fine.
I've been the lead vocalist, guitarist and one of the songwriters, of the band Saint since 1983. We have toured parts of the U.S. and currently we are producing our 6th album with a projected released date of mid winter 08. I've performed in Rock, Pop, Country, and Top 40 Club Circuit Bands since 1978, live stage experience as a Sound Engineer and also a Radio Announcer for 88.5 WVCP F.M., Nashville TN.
I am the director, producer, primary Author, one of the actors and musicians performing in the Rock Opera Audio book "Nicolas The Legend".
I totally love the lord and all of our dear Saint fans with all my heart soul and strength. hjk
I lay everything at his feet. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is the Word. He is Jehovah, the lamb that was slain for my sins. He is God. I am his child and my life is a fleeting vapor.
He is the one who laid the foundations of the world and spoke light and life into existence. I hope that clarifies any question in your mind as to who I believe that Jesus is.
Currently I own and do the best I can to keep this wonderful web site built and maintained by Mr. Saint Fan up to date to advertise and market an Audio book called, "Nicolas" and also to promote, advertise products and provide fan club information for the music group Saint.
My stage name with Saint is Josh Kramer. My given name is Howie Kaemerer. When I was a radio announcer my air name was Kamen Whendt. Don't worry, I'm not schizophrenic, all 3 of us are doing just fine.
I've been the lead vocalist, guitarist and one of the songwriters, of the band Saint since 1983. We have toured parts of the U.S. and currently we are producing our 6th album with a projected released date of mid winter 08. I've performed in Rock, Pop, Country, and Top 40 Club Circuit Bands since 1978, live stage experience as a Sound Engineer and also a Radio Announcer for 88.5 WVCP F.M., Nashville TN.
I am the director, producer, primary Author, one of the actors and musicians performing in the Rock Opera Audio book "Nicolas The Legend".
I totally love the lord and all of our dear Saint fans with all my heart soul and strength. hjk
Site Update 8-29-07
back from mary's peak. we took lots of pics of the trek. 4,000+ feet up and back to base camp through some of oregons last remaining old growth stands protected from commercial interests.
the full lunar eclipse happened the previous night but we did manage to see a piece of it shadowing the top of the moon. didn't see any remnants of the meteor shower. but that's ok.
it was a beautiful and magical stroll for our team of 5 hikers in and out of the old growth in one of the few protected national forest park reserves.
we got some spectacular pics of the hike that we will post soon the summit is surrounded by a vast meadow that has been that way for centuries created by the kalapuyas indians for raising food and hunting.
since they haven't been around for a long while to maintain the meadow, the tree line is slowly making it's way back up the hill.
i have a lot of songs to learn so i had better get with it....hjk
site update 8-28-07
mountain climbing mary's peak today in beautiful and still green oregon, usa.
i will be strolling up through the old growth forest, (we hope is still there) with a hiking team to observe the lunar eclipse from the mountan top.
mary's peak is a sacred indian patch of ground that we put a radio tower on a few decades ago and the view of the valley on all sides is spectacular.
we will be able to see all the mountain ranges from the coast to mount saint helens and beyond.
the forcast is for clear skys and there may be reminants of the recent meteor shower.
so this is going to be really cool.
templar has blessed me further by inviting me to austrailia to do more vocals and spot gigs here and there with some surprise guests...shhhhh, cant say right now...there are some exciting plans ahead. so i am garage sailing, pun intended as i write this and packing my bags as i write.
they tell me the ocean there is full of crocks, sharks and poison rock and jelly fish so i wont be bringing my snorkle and fins.
saint is 1/2 way finished with the next album, "crime scene earth" as we have shared some sample clips in the saint site. check em out.
.....more updates soon. i love to see all the hits our sites are getting!!! you all rock!.....hjk
Site Update 8/9/07
Calling all dudes (females included). the very awesome and heavy southern california gospel rockers, strykken is facing 2 huge gigs in california at cornerstone and the state fair without a bass player. if there are any amazing metal bass players out there looking for a gig, short or long term, give them a call. they need you...now!
i'm trying to figure out a way to get down there just to see the show, i'll see if i can fill the position if it's still open by then. that would be a hoot. pray they won't have to cancel.
please show some support. they are great guys who love the lord and they are brilliant musicians... thanks...hjk
Check out a current interview/question with Josh about the "spiritual significance of music" on the Fan Mail 1 page. - Mr. Saint Fan
Site Update 6/28/07
Spontainious Saint update; my favorite songs of the new project so far...
It's really hard to decide. So far it is the song that Rich sings on by himself. (can't say title yet. shhhhhh!)
it is very anthemic and he does an admirable job. it is a full on 10 out of 10 lighter waver!
he has really improved vocally since the 80's! it will be a hoot and a nice break to play guitar behind him live.
speaking of live, saint is talking to tom fest to do a prime time spot. please email tom fest and solidify it for us. i'd love to see you all there.
heck i don't know what the url is. i'll find out more and relay it.
we are also toying with the prospect of playing a spot in a fest here in salem oregon, usa this summer!!!...Yeah!!!
the weather here in salem oregon has been amazing, cool, a little rainy, moist, nice, beautiful and georgous and very green here in green lucious oregon.
very similar to germany...nice! ..hjk
Site update 06/19/07
Hey Saint Fans! The Saint / Josh Kramer auto bio in pdf is finished and is available.
Just write to my webmasters and/or me and let me know at; joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com please carbon copy to; howiez2001@yahoo.com (because sometimes all email carriers have issues and difficulty getting mail to it's recipients. I hate it when that happens.)
Here's a sample from one of the chapters...
The Gentiles Era
I met Gene McClendon in 1978’ish and we hit it off right away. Gene and I jammed and fellowshipped at the same church for a year or so back then. As Gene McClendon and I rock out jamming and improvising in Cottage Grove, Oregon in 1978, simultaneously, Richard Lynch and John Mahan were rocking to a metal drum groove of their own just up the highway in Salem Oregon. John and Rich found an advertisement for a rock drummer and looked into it. After contacting Gene, John and Rich drove to Cottage Grove to audition him, they liked what they heard and recruited him back to Salem in 1979 to be the new drummer for “The Gentiles”. John and Gene lived in a tiny rented house and 4 to 5 musicians practiced in a tiny 5’ x 10’ concrete dungeon style box below ground until John Bailed the 1st time and moved back to California. Around 1979, “The Gentiles” went dormant. In 1981 I was pressured to quit playing music with a strong beat by the Church I faithfully attended and was persuaded to join the Air Force because Ihad few skills aside from music. I was advised by my Sibling brother and also by my Pastor to seek a career in something other than professional Satanic-voodoo music with a strong beat, Christian or not.
I was in the Air force then and at that time I had let go of any dreams of playing music professionally except for the conservative music I did in the Church I was going to at the time. Forget playing rock. That was (and still is too many) considered the devil’s music. I went along with it. Gene contacted me in 1982 and sent me a cassette of the Gentiles demo and I was blown away that there was a Christian band that rocked as hard as Rez band and wanted me as the new guitarist. I sent back my guitar demo to Gene. Rich was impressed, letting me know that I had a place in the band if I could find a way to get out of the Air Force and move to Salem. I sold my car instead of driving it down the Alcan Hwy, (not the best decision) and then moved to Salem and Gene and I became roommates again. Once in Salem with no car and seeking work, I huffed it around town on a bike for years. Riding put me in great shape for shows. After the Newly released E.P. demo, Warriors of the Son came out, the old Church I went to was still thumbs down on Rock Music of any kind. I brought a copy to show my old friends there and the Pastor came up behind me, grabbed my arm, taking me by surprise, led me outside and ordered me to leave the Church with this Devils voodoo music album and evil black leather attire. What ever! Bye!
I was in the Air force then and at that time I had let go of any dreams of playing music professionally except for the conservative music I did in the Church I was going to at the time. Forget playing rock. That was (and still is too many) considered the devil’s music. I went along with it. Gene contacted me in 1982 and sent me a cassette of the Gentiles demo and I was blown away that there was a Christian band that rocked as hard as Rez band and wanted me as the new guitarist. I sent back my guitar demo to Gene. Rich was impressed, letting me know that I had a place in the band if I could find a way to get out of the Air Force and move to Salem. I sold my car instead of driving it down the Alcan Hwy, (not the best decision) and then moved to Salem and Gene and I became roommates again. Once in Salem with no car and seeking work, I huffed it around town on a bike for years. Riding put me in great shape for shows. After the Newly released E.P. demo, Warriors of the Son came out, the old Church I went to was still thumbs down on Rock Music of any kind. I brought a copy to show my old friends there and the Pastor came up behind me, grabbed my arm, taking me by surprise, led me outside and ordered me to leave the Church with this Devils voodoo music album and evil black leather attire. What ever! Bye!
Gene found me in the Air Force in 1983 and got me in touch with Rich Lynch to audition as lead guitarist. My gig with the A.F. was a nice steady predictable job and I was gaining weight eating buffet meals every day in the mess hall. The job with Saint was mine once I left the Air Force. I gradually moved into the lead vocal spot because Christian lead screamers were not to be found anywhere, especially in sleepy little conservative Salem, Oregon. I developed a huge music student load by 1988. I now enjoy playing loud and quiet music with or without a beat. I love the lord with all my heart soul and strength, striving for perfection, which is a life long journey. I know I will have arrived and perfect when I see my lord face to face and cast my crowns at his feet in Heaven.....
The Auto Bio also includes "Nicolas the Legend". I do this offer out of deepest appreciation to you all who've written encouraging letters to me over the years. Many of you are in my book now and more will be added as time goes on.
Free updates to all subsribers!
You all have won my heart as the greatest and most faithful fans and rockers of all time.
I've been sending out copies all day and I'm looking forward to sending more non stop!
To all of you who still have all of our albums and told me so, You get free down loads too! You know who you are.
To those of you who've told me that you had your entire saint cd collection stolen, (along with everything else in your house) you get free down loads too. You know who you are.
Hey the up side is that the thieves will hear the gospel, so not is all lost! All of the Heavens will rejoice at saving of their souls... Right? That's right.
Sincerely, Josh, hjk
Site update 3-22-07.
today dynasty in brazil recieved my vocal tracks to be featured on their up coming album and also my autobiography and are excited to hear the tracks i recorded over here in the u.s. in a nice little studio recorded with pro tools and a really nice mic. i'm excited to hear the final results. i'll keep you all posted...josh
Site update 2-21-07
It’s 9:00 AM and I’m sending the tracks I recorded last night to Nahor of Dynasty in Brazil. They are going to feature me on a song on their album coming up. They sent me an mp3 in an email of the song called, "King of Kings".
I emailed the song to a studio here in town and laid down the tracks. Wow, this song was a tough one to perform. They pushed my envelope for range and aggressiveness. I think I did a good job. I hope they like it. I screamed my brains out and had a great time doing it. I love the technology these days to be able to do stuff like this. You can be anywhere in the world and record an album. Amazing!
I emailed the song to a studio here in town and laid down the tracks. Wow, this song was a tough one to perform. They pushed my envelope for range and aggressiveness. I think I did a good job. I hope they like it. I screamed my brains out and had a great time doing it. I love the technology these days to be able to do stuff like this. You can be anywhere in the world and record an album. Amazing!
Site update 2-21-07
Good morning everyone. I'm sitting down to a delicious cup of hot, smooth and delicious mug of Coffee and blueberry bagel smothered in butter and honey here at an internet cafe at 6:30 AM this beautiful day filled with new prospects and blessings received in advance. My Saint Autobiography and bonus gifts are going to be totally done and available on line in a couple of weeks maybe sooner thanks to my dear brothers and genius webmasters, Gary and Jeff. We will make it so that a person can purchase the book using paypal through our website. I love these guys!!! They totally rock and go way beyond the call of duty on the front lines with me in this war we are in against the powers of darkness who are out to steal, kill and destroy peoples hopes dreams and lives disguised as humans!!! (Stalkers from hell be damned and kiss our shields!) Well I gave my 2 week notice to my current club cover band and will start my sojourn back in the direction to the west coast. God has been gracious and blessed me in this rock and roll boot camp band with these guys here in Omaha. It is time to evolve and progress forward and westward! I'll keep you all posted as things progress. When you write to me, carbon copy your letter to my yahoo addy for insurance of delivery. Mail seems to be mysteriously getting lost in cyberland a lot lately. thanx bro's and sisters in Heavenly Metal and rightious Rock and Rolll!
Write to ; joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com and howiez2001@yahoo.com I reply to everyone! This is my promise! ...josh/hjk
Good morning everyone. I'm sitting down to a delicious cup of hot, smooth and delicious mug of Coffee and blueberry bagel smothered in butter and honey here at an internet cafe at 6:30 AM this beautiful day filled with new prospects and blessings received in advance. My Saint Autobiography and bonus gifts are going to be totally done and available on line in a couple of weeks maybe sooner thanks to my dear brothers and genius webmasters, Gary and Jeff. We will make it so that a person can purchase the book using paypal through our website. I love these guys!!! They totally rock and go way beyond the call of duty on the front lines with me in this war we are in against the powers of darkness who are out to steal, kill and destroy peoples hopes dreams and lives disguised as humans!!! (Stalkers from hell be damned and kiss our shields!) Well I gave my 2 week notice to my current club cover band and will start my sojourn back in the direction to the west coast. God has been gracious and blessed me in this rock and roll boot camp band with these guys here in Omaha. It is time to evolve and progress forward and westward! I'll keep you all posted as things progress. When you write to me, carbon copy your letter to my yahoo addy for insurance of delivery. Mail seems to be mysteriously getting lost in cyberland a lot lately. thanx bro's and sisters in Heavenly Metal and rightious Rock and Rolll!
Write to ; joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com and howiez2001@yahoo.com I reply to everyone! This is my promise! ...josh/hjk
Email Update 02/18/07
Dear friends, please carbon copy your emails that you send to me to both my hotmail and my yahoo address because people have had to call me asking why their emails have been getting bounced back. Their feelings were hurt thinking I was mad at them or something. This has been happening a lot lately. I love hearing from you all! So if you had an email bounced back, keep trying and carbon copy it to; howiez2001@yahoo.com. A lot of people have been complaining about hotmail and the unreliability of it, not just about trying to get a hold of me but others too. Come on MSN, get it together! Sheesh! ...... josh
Note: The update posted below is actually an UPDATED update - it may look like the original update, but there is new/different information in it. (02/18/07)
Dear friends, please carbon copy your emails that you send to me to both my hotmail and my yahoo address because people have had to call me asking why their emails have been getting bounced back. Their feelings were hurt thinking I was mad at them or something. This has been happening a lot lately. I love hearing from you all! So if you had an email bounced back, keep trying and carbon copy it to; howiez2001@yahoo.com. A lot of people have been complaining about hotmail and the unreliability of it, not just about trying to get a hold of me but others too. Come on MSN, get it together! Sheesh! ...... josh
Note: The update posted below is actually an UPDATED update - it may look like the original update, but there is new/different information in it. (02/18/07)
Update; 1-27-07 Reality Check and Dynasty project. You gotta have hope!
I have good news and less than good news. What do you wanna hear first?
Ok, I'll start with the good news. Dynasty has invited me to be featured on their up coming album, if the Lord Wills.
No that’s not what the album’s called. It’s just something I am learning how to say a lot lately.
Well John Mahan and I hooked up for a brief time and went separate ways with the reality of no album project as we had hoped. Well hey, you gotta have hope!
When I got to Kansas , we had high hopes and big dreams of grandeur but with the advent of his pending marriage, commitment to his church group and all consuming career day job.
He was left exhausted at the end of every day and no time left for us to work on anything.
All of this put an end to our recording project plans and plans of a tour. Man, what an amazing guitar player he is though...sigh... Oh well.
Nor am going to hook up with my web master Jeff McCormack on the East Coast to do shows with him either. Ain't gonna happen. It was a fun fantasy while it lasted.
I forgot a big... no, correction; huge stipulation when I made lofty plans to get with John and Jeff.
I forgot to say, "If the Lord Wills". OOOOPS. But not all is for loss.
I did manage to record everything John wrote over the past 20 years for fun. I called my dear friend whom I've known since Sanctuary days, Larry Farkas of “Once Dead” formerly of “Vengeance Rising” and let him and John talk for an hour on my cell phone.
When I called Larry I said, “Hi Larry, this is Josh.” He said, “Josh who?” I said, “Josh Kramer.” He said, “No it’s not!”
I laughed and convinced him that it was really me. We laughed our heads off for a moment and I said, "Hey Larry, John Mahan wants to say hi."
He said, “No way!” We laughed some more and I handed John the phone.
They babbled for an hour about band stuff and guitar mumbo jumbo.
I had to use a pry bar to pull John off of the phone. That alone was worth the trip to Kansas .
I cornered John and made sure to get his signature on a bunch of posters and memorabilia that I sent to my Webmaster Jeff to sell to our blessed and beloved fans.
I also got him to sign my Shenandoah 12 string guitar next to Dee 's signature.
Saint is planning a recording project for this summer and we have a lot of great material.
I am lobbying to get a song or 2 of Mahan on there but it is not likely to happen.
At the moment I'm in a working cover band based in Omaha NE and I’m doing tours with them all over the place from Biloxi Mississippi to Duluth Minnesota and everywhere in between.
We play rock and country hits from the 50's to the present. ( No Rap thank God)
I won't say who they are, much else about them nor put their link on our Saint sites links or shameless plugs page and home page until they let me put my web link on their site.
I've requested it but they refused my request. Fair is fair in love and endorsements!
My guitar and vocal chops improve by the day. It's good staying in music and keeping busy.
So far, every Saint Fan that has contacted me has won my heart and I consider you all as my personal friends.
Those of you whom have sent me encouraging personal emails over time, are all invited to be part of my autobiography life journal book.
You all know who you are and you're in there. We are a team! We all work toward the common good in the kingdom of God and Metal!
Those of you who have cared enough to stick with me through these ever changing times, will always be welcome at my campfire.
Just bring your own hot dogs and marshmallows. Leave the boom boxes, hand held video games and laptops at home and turn off your cell phones please.
I like the uninterrupted sounds of the wild and be able to connect with the Neanderthal Cave man inside of me!
Be sure to pick up your own trash and take it out with you when you leave. Thank you.
If you want to know what is going on with Saint, go to http://www.saintsite.com later y'all. josh
I have good news and less than good news. What do you wanna hear first?
Ok, I'll start with the good news. Dynasty has invited me to be featured on their up coming album, if the Lord Wills.
No that’s not what the album’s called. It’s just something I am learning how to say a lot lately.
Well John Mahan and I hooked up for a brief time and went separate ways with the reality of no album project as we had hoped. Well hey, you gotta have hope!
When I got to Kansas , we had high hopes and big dreams of grandeur but with the advent of his pending marriage, commitment to his church group and all consuming career day job.
He was left exhausted at the end of every day and no time left for us to work on anything.
All of this put an end to our recording project plans and plans of a tour. Man, what an amazing guitar player he is though...sigh... Oh well.
Nor am going to hook up with my web master Jeff McCormack on the East Coast to do shows with him either. Ain't gonna happen. It was a fun fantasy while it lasted.
I forgot a big... no, correction; huge stipulation when I made lofty plans to get with John and Jeff.
I forgot to say, "If the Lord Wills". OOOOPS. But not all is for loss.
I did manage to record everything John wrote over the past 20 years for fun. I called my dear friend whom I've known since Sanctuary days, Larry Farkas of “Once Dead” formerly of “Vengeance Rising” and let him and John talk for an hour on my cell phone.
When I called Larry I said, “Hi Larry, this is Josh.” He said, “Josh who?” I said, “Josh Kramer.” He said, “No it’s not!”
I laughed and convinced him that it was really me. We laughed our heads off for a moment and I said, "Hey Larry, John Mahan wants to say hi."
He said, “No way!” We laughed some more and I handed John the phone.
They babbled for an hour about band stuff and guitar mumbo jumbo.
I had to use a pry bar to pull John off of the phone. That alone was worth the trip to Kansas .
I cornered John and made sure to get his signature on a bunch of posters and memorabilia that I sent to my Webmaster Jeff to sell to our blessed and beloved fans.
I also got him to sign my Shenandoah 12 string guitar next to Dee 's signature.
Saint is planning a recording project for this summer and we have a lot of great material.
I am lobbying to get a song or 2 of Mahan on there but it is not likely to happen.
At the moment I'm in a working cover band based in Omaha NE and I’m doing tours with them all over the place from Biloxi Mississippi to Duluth Minnesota and everywhere in between.
We play rock and country hits from the 50's to the present. ( No Rap thank God)
I won't say who they are, much else about them nor put their link on our Saint sites links or shameless plugs page and home page until they let me put my web link on their site.
I've requested it but they refused my request. Fair is fair in love and endorsements!
My guitar and vocal chops improve by the day. It's good staying in music and keeping busy.
So far, every Saint Fan that has contacted me has won my heart and I consider you all as my personal friends.
Those of you whom have sent me encouraging personal emails over time, are all invited to be part of my autobiography life journal book.
You all know who you are and you're in there. We are a team! We all work toward the common good in the kingdom of God and Metal!
Those of you who have cared enough to stick with me through these ever changing times, will always be welcome at my campfire.
Just bring your own hot dogs and marshmallows. Leave the boom boxes, hand held video games and laptops at home and turn off your cell phones please.
I like the uninterrupted sounds of the wild and be able to connect with the Neanderthal Cave man inside of me!
Be sure to pick up your own trash and take it out with you when you leave. Thank you.
If you want to know what is going on with Saint, go to http://www.saintsite.com later y'all. josh
Update 11/13/06:
Justin Murr just told me that Dave and Don of Neon Cross are going to be featured on the next Liberty and Justice project. Awesome! (see LNJ update below) Dave and I’ve known each other since sanctuary days. He is a very good man and a great singer. Don is a fine musician too though I’ve not had the pleasure to know him much personally, though we've met cordially. I did some back stage backing vocal harmonies at one of their shows in calif. in 89. Total blast! They were great and have improved tremendously since. Mike Betts, Neon’s drummer then and Glen Mancaruso, of Vengeance rising were my bosses when I was with their paint crew in 89. They taught well how to be a quality painter and the atmosphere always rocked with metal from the boom box with them around.
Dave is a very professional and nice person. I will congratulate them asap! Jamie Rowe and Jack Russell, excellent!
Thanks again for letting me be on the sound track project. It really is a privilege to be heard with so many heavy hitters. Wait till you hear the chilly stuff John Mahan and I are grind-coring up these days. His music is very heavy and bombastic. Totally locks in! He has hours of material from 20 years of woodshedding and studying current metal styles! He is a genuine purest! He is truly a remarkable guitarist-shredmaister. John and I will tour! It will happen if it is God’s will. I am now in Kansas City Chillin out in Johns hood and we are aiming towards the mid-west, north east and east coast where 90% of our fans are. His lovely wife is a good bass player and a singer! Win, Win! Now all I need is a beautiful bombastic female drummer/ singer to hook up with, marry me and we will be unstoppable! Yeah baby yeah! Can I dream or what? My chops are heating up! I am ready! I’ve never screamed and growled better. I’ll be learning Dee’s and Jerry’s solos on the their stuff and pull off a “Michael Sweet” guitar vocal combo thing. I’ve never done that before so this will be interesting. Keep me posed with updates on your projects. I’ll put in the announcement in my site for my dear friends from neon x. Awesome! Josh…hjk
(And since we're on the topic of Liberty N' Justice, here's a recent email Josh sent me - Mr. Saint Fan)
Dear fans, A while back I did an interview with Justin Murr of Liberty and Justice records. In the interview he mentioned that I added questions
Without trying to find the article in the sea of interviews I’ll try to reconstruct the topic. Justin was amused and said that my participation of adding my own interview questions was admirable, or something to that effect. First of all, I only added one question. The question I’m referring to was asked of me by a fan. This fan asked me in jest (kiddingly) if I was some kind of Ninja because of my affiliation to Martial arts. I don't want to embarrass the fan by identifying them and I don’t like to leave anyone guessing so here is some clarity about the fan’s question that I added to the interview. Ninjas were hired thugs in ancient Japan sort of like modern day special forces in the military. I am into Gung Fu. (Kung Fu) which is Chinese and have been since I was 10 years old. I am peaceful and I have a gentle but indomitable spirit. The bottom line is that I only posed 1 question. Josh……hjk
Justin Murr just told me that Dave and Don of Neon Cross are going to be featured on the next Liberty and Justice project. Awesome! (see LNJ update below) Dave and I’ve known each other since sanctuary days. He is a very good man and a great singer. Don is a fine musician too though I’ve not had the pleasure to know him much personally, though we've met cordially. I did some back stage backing vocal harmonies at one of their shows in calif. in 89. Total blast! They were great and have improved tremendously since. Mike Betts, Neon’s drummer then and Glen Mancaruso, of Vengeance rising were my bosses when I was with their paint crew in 89. They taught well how to be a quality painter and the atmosphere always rocked with metal from the boom box with them around.
Dave is a very professional and nice person. I will congratulate them asap! Jamie Rowe and Jack Russell, excellent!
Thanks again for letting me be on the sound track project. It really is a privilege to be heard with so many heavy hitters. Wait till you hear the chilly stuff John Mahan and I are grind-coring up these days. His music is very heavy and bombastic. Totally locks in! He has hours of material from 20 years of woodshedding and studying current metal styles! He is a genuine purest! He is truly a remarkable guitarist-shredmaister. John and I will tour! It will happen if it is God’s will. I am now in Kansas City Chillin out in Johns hood and we are aiming towards the mid-west, north east and east coast where 90% of our fans are. His lovely wife is a good bass player and a singer! Win, Win! Now all I need is a beautiful bombastic female drummer/ singer to hook up with, marry me and we will be unstoppable! Yeah baby yeah! Can I dream or what? My chops are heating up! I am ready! I’ve never screamed and growled better. I’ll be learning Dee’s and Jerry’s solos on the their stuff and pull off a “Michael Sweet” guitar vocal combo thing. I’ve never done that before so this will be interesting. Keep me posed with updates on your projects. I’ll put in the announcement in my site for my dear friends from neon x. Awesome! Josh…hjk
(And since we're on the topic of Liberty N' Justice, here's a recent email Josh sent me - Mr. Saint Fan)
Dear fans, A while back I did an interview with Justin Murr of Liberty and Justice records. In the interview he mentioned that I added questions
Without trying to find the article in the sea of interviews I’ll try to reconstruct the topic. Justin was amused and said that my participation of adding my own interview questions was admirable, or something to that effect. First of all, I only added one question. The question I’m referring to was asked of me by a fan. This fan asked me in jest (kiddingly) if I was some kind of Ninja because of my affiliation to Martial arts. I don't want to embarrass the fan by identifying them and I don’t like to leave anyone guessing so here is some clarity about the fan’s question that I added to the interview. Ninjas were hired thugs in ancient Japan sort of like modern day special forces in the military. I am into Gung Fu. (Kung Fu) which is Chinese and have been since I was 10 years old. I am peaceful and I have a gentle but indomitable spirit. The bottom line is that I only posed 1 question. Josh……hjk
Liberty N' Justice Update 11/13/06
Liberty N' Justice announce 2 more singers :
LNJ's upcoming 2007 release, "Independence Day" will feature 15 guest vocalists on 14 songs .They have already announced Jamie Rowe of Guardian as one of the singers on the new CD and at this time they are proud to announce 2 more singers and songs. "Monkey Dance" will feature none other than Jack Russell of Great White on vocals and
"Snake Eat Snake" will feature vocals by David Raymond Reeves of Neon Cross and guitarist Don Webster of Neon Cross
The CD will be an acoustic rock project and on Sunday Nov.12th they will post both songs and unveil the front cover artwork for a limited time at there myspace page ( www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 ). Make sure to check them out and post your comments and suggestions at our message board ( www.libertynjustice.net )
To fans regarding signed way beyond the basement tapes disc back orders. i am working feverishly to get the orders filled and i'm swampped. please be patient and keep in touch regarding your order. - Josh
Liberty N' Justice announce 2 more singers :
LNJ's upcoming 2007 release, "Independence Day" will feature 15 guest vocalists on 14 songs .They have already announced Jamie Rowe of Guardian as one of the singers on the new CD and at this time they are proud to announce 2 more singers and songs. "Monkey Dance" will feature none other than Jack Russell of Great White on vocals and
"Snake Eat Snake" will feature vocals by David Raymond Reeves of Neon Cross and guitarist Don Webster of Neon Cross
The CD will be an acoustic rock project and on Sunday Nov.12th they will post both songs and unveil the front cover artwork for a limited time at there myspace page ( www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 ). Make sure to check them out and post your comments and suggestions at our message board ( www.libertynjustice.net )
To fans regarding signed way beyond the basement tapes disc back orders. i am working feverishly to get the orders filled and i'm swampped. please be patient and keep in touch regarding your order. - Josh
Site update 7-29-06
This is a message I sent to the many Saint fans and a copy to our Mr. Saint Fan site;
Not only will we sign anything you buy from my personal site if you ask us, but also I’ll throw in with your order a complimentary signed copy of the “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES mp3 disc”. Make sure to pre-order “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES, THE SAGA CONTINUES” when it's done. A free copy goes out with every order. Josh Kramer…hjk http://www.saint777.net
To order normal saint stuff, albums shirts, picks hats and such, (not the “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES, that’s my site) using pay pal, go to www.saintsite.com it will waltz you through the proper hoops. “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES is not available through the official site unless asked for specifically. Sorry.
I sort of shot myself in the foot by not taking into consideration the unbelievable response to my offer for the 2 disc audio basement tapes. I thought, “Yeah, no big deal, a few people will want it.” Boy was I wrong! I got buried under the demand but I was inspired then to create, “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES mp3 disc,” which is 1 disc containing some rare John Mahan moments with us practicing star pilot and steel killer and more recorded on a cheesy 14 dollar Radio Shack cassette recorder along with a lot of other antics.
I am blessed by all of your kind words. You people ROCK! Keep us in your prayers. I imagine we all rattled the devil’s cage a bit over the course of time so you can bet we will face some storms trying to thwart the lord’s work in us all. (I’m talking about all of the Lord’s Army, musician or not) but light prevails over darkness, right? That’s right!
United we will kick down the gates of hell and dispel the darkness. Rock on! We’ll keep you posted on the progress of events. For updates, go to www.saint777.net, then to “about saint” page. Also check out the links page in www.saint777.net for concert info of national Christian concert schedules of your favorite bands in your area.
Oh yeah, the music stores. I forgot to mention, you could order it through the stores if you ask them. If they don’t have our contact info, give it to them for us please. Thank you. Record stores and radio stations don't know we exist unless you make it so.
Your voice is an extension of our voice. Actually things have pretty much gone back to almost normal since the album recording process of “The Mark” is past. Now we’re in the midst of the tidal wave of orders for it and requests for our older albums not to mention our rehearsals. Thanx for staying the course with us, and for your faithful support.
If I already sent you the “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES mp3 disc”. Ask for it again. Give it to someone you know or don’t know and bless them…or just stash it away for safe keeping just in case your dog eats the copy you now have or it melts on your dashboard in 50,000 degrees in the sweltering summer sun as I’ve heard and done myself. Let's fight the good fight together and kick down the gates of hell, shall we? joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com
Many fans ask me how to form a band be a singer, guitar player and such. This is my response:
Be your own band for a while. Get a drum machine, a bass and a cheap 4 recorder. Write your songs and perfect them. Learn how to sing and play an instrument well. Take lessons from someone really good that shreds and plays classical guitar.
Walk into a music store and rip out some killer leads very quietly. People will come up to you and ask you if you are in a band. Make adds on bulletin boards. Plug into your church worship team and rock the house, if you can play well or you’ll make everyone want to go home and watch the ball game.
Musicians will gravitate to you if you are skilled. Be picky especially when it comes to their commitment to Jesus..........God bless, Josh
To order normal saint stuff, albums shirts, picks hats and such, (not the “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES, that’s my site) using pay pal, go to www.saintsite.com it will waltz you through the proper hoops. “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES is not available through the official site unless asked for specifically. Sorry.
I sort of shot myself in the foot by not taking into consideration the unbelievable response to my offer for the 2 disc audio basement tapes. I thought, “Yeah, no big deal, a few people will want it.” Boy was I wrong! I got buried under the demand but I was inspired then to create, “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES mp3 disc,” which is 1 disc containing some rare John Mahan moments with us practicing star pilot and steel killer and more recorded on a cheesy 14 dollar Radio Shack cassette recorder along with a lot of other antics.
I am blessed by all of your kind words. You people ROCK! Keep us in your prayers. I imagine we all rattled the devil’s cage a bit over the course of time so you can bet we will face some storms trying to thwart the lord’s work in us all. (I’m talking about all of the Lord’s Army, musician or not) but light prevails over darkness, right? That’s right!
United we will kick down the gates of hell and dispel the darkness. Rock on! We’ll keep you posted on the progress of events. For updates, go to www.saint777.net, then to “about saint” page. Also check out the links page in www.saint777.net for concert info of national Christian concert schedules of your favorite bands in your area.
Oh yeah, the music stores. I forgot to mention, you could order it through the stores if you ask them. If they don’t have our contact info, give it to them for us please. Thank you. Record stores and radio stations don't know we exist unless you make it so.
Your voice is an extension of our voice. Actually things have pretty much gone back to almost normal since the album recording process of “The Mark” is past. Now we’re in the midst of the tidal wave of orders for it and requests for our older albums not to mention our rehearsals. Thanx for staying the course with us, and for your faithful support.
If I already sent you the “WAY BEYOND THE BASEMENT TAPES mp3 disc”. Ask for it again. Give it to someone you know or don’t know and bless them…or just stash it away for safe keeping just in case your dog eats the copy you now have or it melts on your dashboard in 50,000 degrees in the sweltering summer sun as I’ve heard and done myself. Let's fight the good fight together and kick down the gates of hell, shall we? joshkramerofsaint@hotmail.com
Many fans ask me how to form a band be a singer, guitar player and such. This is my response:
Be your own band for a while. Get a drum machine, a bass and a cheap 4 recorder. Write your songs and perfect them. Learn how to sing and play an instrument well. Take lessons from someone really good that shreds and plays classical guitar.
Walk into a music store and rip out some killer leads very quietly. People will come up to you and ask you if you are in a band. Make adds on bulletin boards. Plug into your church worship team and rock the house, if you can play well or you’ll make everyone want to go home and watch the ball game.
Musicians will gravitate to you if you are skilled. Be picky especially when it comes to their commitment to Jesus..........God bless, Josh
Update 7-4-06
The Mark, just newly released this last April, has been generating interest in the ranks of diehard 80’s and new Christian Metalheads. They have let us know that we are back. We got some fan mail telling us that they got their disc on 6-6-6.
The Mark, just newly released this last April, has been generating interest in the ranks of diehard 80’s and new Christian Metalheads. They have let us know that we are back. We got some fan mail telling us that they got their disc on 6-6-6.
Update 7-9-06
We just ended a 2-day hard practice at Larry London’s house this weekend on 25 acres of farmland way out in the boonies. Nice! We ironed out a lot of the wrinkles and by Sunday rehearsal, we really tightened things up. Check out the mp3 sample of our first rehearsal at Larry’s.
It’s all totally live! Mistakes and all! Check out the pics. Dee, Rich, Larry and me.
We just ended a 2-day hard practice at Larry London’s house this weekend on 25 acres of farmland way out in the boonies. Nice! We ironed out a lot of the wrinkles and by Sunday rehearsal, we really tightened things up. Check out the mp3 sample of our first rehearsal at Larry’s.
It’s all totally live! Mistakes and all! Check out the pics. Dee, Rich, Larry and me.
Update 7-11-06
Steve Row of Mortification said howdy today. Hey Saint fans, give a huge donation their way bros and sisters. They are laying their lives down for their friends in …uh.. well, I guess everywhere on Earth we’ve never been…you name it. They’ve been there or is booked to appear there sometime soon. God blesses them and they just keep going. They Rock and Steve makes me look like a sissy.
He has invited us to headline in Australia with only Mortification opening for us. We’d love to! What a tremendous joy and privilege that would be. The only glitch is that it falls in the same time frame as the Germany tour. We would have to choose between the 2 offers.
Labor day weekend looks packed in L.A. …Nice! We’re almost ready. We’re getting it dialed in and this night is going to rock the Christian Metal world!!!
We, in the Saint camp, feel like wild Stallion Beasts, clawing at the track, chomping at the bit to go and rock like never before and bring in a new era for Saint and our fellow brothers and sisters of Metal in Christ.
It will be great to be in my old stomping grounds, sunshine taxed-icky air-Los Angeles- with great beaches and awesome redwoods state once again.
Due to the sudden rise in album sales and pandemonium feeding frenzy reaction to our new release, The Mark”, I have gladly and totally handed over all web sales to my Maisterweb guru Jeff McCormack and his bookstore, Apologia Books. Virginia, U.S.A. http://www.saint777.net
Steve Row of Mortification said howdy today. Hey Saint fans, give a huge donation their way bros and sisters. They are laying their lives down for their friends in …uh.. well, I guess everywhere on Earth we’ve never been…you name it. They’ve been there or is booked to appear there sometime soon. God blesses them and they just keep going. They Rock and Steve makes me look like a sissy.
He has invited us to headline in Australia with only Mortification opening for us. We’d love to! What a tremendous joy and privilege that would be. The only glitch is that it falls in the same time frame as the Germany tour. We would have to choose between the 2 offers.
Labor day weekend looks packed in L.A. …Nice! We’re almost ready. We’re getting it dialed in and this night is going to rock the Christian Metal world!!!
We, in the Saint camp, feel like wild Stallion Beasts, clawing at the track, chomping at the bit to go and rock like never before and bring in a new era for Saint and our fellow brothers and sisters of Metal in Christ.
It will be great to be in my old stomping grounds, sunshine taxed-icky air-Los Angeles- with great beaches and awesome redwoods state once again.
Due to the sudden rise in album sales and pandemonium feeding frenzy reaction to our new release, The Mark”, I have gladly and totally handed over all web sales to my Maisterweb guru Jeff McCormack and his bookstore, Apologia Books. Virginia, U.S.A. http://www.saint777.net
update 7-20-06
I thank you all who write to me. Your letters encourage, strengthen, uplift and guide me. Everyone has been great about not cold spamming me with advertisements and for not sending me unrequested demos, lyrics, songs, poems, stuff with expectations that I send them free stuff in return. Shame on me, if I were to do the same.
Since Saint has gotten busier with the new albums out, we get inundated with folks wanting free stuff. For example: Hey Josh, please send me a free promo of your music. I have a website, a band, pro dj…” or whatever sometimes without a URL or legitimate radio or web radio address and so forth.. I just wag my head in disbelief. “Delete”
If the person has a legitimate webzine, band, is a concert promoter or radio station, we would be happy to email mp3 web samples of our music for airplay along with our portfolio bio, (Thank God for the internet!) but please don’t ask or expect a hard copy disc in the mail for free. We get asked this all the time!
The cost to please everyone that requests free samples in the mail could finance a small 3rd world country civil war in postage alone, so let’s not go there. OK?
Free stuff is nice when there is an agreement between me and someone in a band that I have gotten to know over time. Like for example the full on Rocker Tommy Wales whom I’ve known for over a year. We swap burnt discs and band info, although he is mp3 challenged. I’m working on it with him though.
Ivory night and adorned graves sent me a cdr of their demo almost 3 years ago. I still enjoy listening to them.
Jeff MacCormac’s band in Virginia Beach, VA. They Rock! My long time friend, Ian Keith Hafner and I can go on.
Free is a nice bonus when you buy something and get something extra cool but I learned by experience that giving with expectations to receive (except mouthwash samples and such or Christmas gifts with people you know) only frustrate both the giver and receiver with a feeling of resented obligation.
We welcome promos from other established bands with websites and some experience under their belts. Beginners and novices please practice for a few years, learn how to tune your guitar and please get rid of the Karaoke recording system. God bless the bands and musicians from around the U.S. and the world that we’ve gotten to know.
Some of the requested, copyrighted material we’ve been given is really great. Emails from folks that provide me with band info, song samples and links are welcome and get posted in my personal site when I and my webmasters get around to it.
Check this! One individual sent me a disc with no label, no writing on it, no song list, no nothing except a 1 sentence howdy doo and their name hand written telling me this is their band.
I guess they expected me to do all of the work for them and write on the disc. I didn’t even know the name of their band. It wasn’t in the letter. Out of total curiosity a couple of months later, stumbling over it in my, “To deal with box”, I actually put the unmarked disc in my cd player and heard the most horrid noise recorded on a Karaoke boombox with what must have been a $10 mic in front of the guitar amp sitting next to the drum machine speaker.
Then I hear the click of the tape recorder off on switch. Next track, same, next, same, next same. I laughed, shook my head in total disbelief. This person requested a free promo for his whatever. I still chuckle with a slight cringe, thinking about it.
I thank you all who write to me. Your letters encourage, strengthen, uplift and guide me. Everyone has been great about not cold spamming me with advertisements and for not sending me unrequested demos, lyrics, songs, poems, stuff with expectations that I send them free stuff in return. Shame on me, if I were to do the same.
Since Saint has gotten busier with the new albums out, we get inundated with folks wanting free stuff. For example: Hey Josh, please send me a free promo of your music. I have a website, a band, pro dj…” or whatever sometimes without a URL or legitimate radio or web radio address and so forth.. I just wag my head in disbelief. “Delete”
If the person has a legitimate webzine, band, is a concert promoter or radio station, we would be happy to email mp3 web samples of our music for airplay along with our portfolio bio, (Thank God for the internet!) but please don’t ask or expect a hard copy disc in the mail for free. We get asked this all the time!
The cost to please everyone that requests free samples in the mail could finance a small 3rd world country civil war in postage alone, so let’s not go there. OK?
Free stuff is nice when there is an agreement between me and someone in a band that I have gotten to know over time. Like for example the full on Rocker Tommy Wales whom I’ve known for over a year. We swap burnt discs and band info, although he is mp3 challenged. I’m working on it with him though.
Ivory night and adorned graves sent me a cdr of their demo almost 3 years ago. I still enjoy listening to them.
Jeff MacCormac’s band in Virginia Beach, VA. They Rock! My long time friend, Ian Keith Hafner and I can go on.
Free is a nice bonus when you buy something and get something extra cool but I learned by experience that giving with expectations to receive (except mouthwash samples and such or Christmas gifts with people you know) only frustrate both the giver and receiver with a feeling of resented obligation.
We welcome promos from other established bands with websites and some experience under their belts. Beginners and novices please practice for a few years, learn how to tune your guitar and please get rid of the Karaoke recording system. God bless the bands and musicians from around the U.S. and the world that we’ve gotten to know.
Some of the requested, copyrighted material we’ve been given is really great. Emails from folks that provide me with band info, song samples and links are welcome and get posted in my personal site when I and my webmasters get around to it.
Check this! One individual sent me a disc with no label, no writing on it, no song list, no nothing except a 1 sentence howdy doo and their name hand written telling me this is their band.
I guess they expected me to do all of the work for them and write on the disc. I didn’t even know the name of their band. It wasn’t in the letter. Out of total curiosity a couple of months later, stumbling over it in my, “To deal with box”, I actually put the unmarked disc in my cd player and heard the most horrid noise recorded on a Karaoke boombox with what must have been a $10 mic in front of the guitar amp sitting next to the drum machine speaker.
Then I hear the click of the tape recorder off on switch. Next track, same, next, same, next same. I laughed, shook my head in total disbelief. This person requested a free promo for his whatever. I still chuckle with a slight cringe, thinking about it.